Scott eyes film on 'colorful' Reagan and 'rugby player' Gorbachev

Director Ridley ScottFilmmaker Ridley Scott (“American Gangster,” “Black Hawk Down”) told The Hollywood Reporter he's working on a film on the historic 1986 Reykjavik summit between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev.

“These are fascinating historical characters, larger-than-life figures, but I want to show who they were and why they did what they did,” Scott said. “Their actions helped shape history, paving the way for the end of the Cold War.”

The script is in development, but Scott believes the film could be in theaters by early 2009. He hasn't announced if he will direct or just produce the film.

There's no word on who might play the two heads of state. Scott said physical resemblance won't be as important as the stars' acting ability.

“Reagan was tall and elegant while Gorbachev was stocky, like a front row rugby player,” Scott said. “In some ways, Gorbachev is easier to cast. Reagan is more colorful.”

(Jorge Sosa is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at sosa@hutchinsonleader.com)