'United': Kevin Costner, Leonardo DiCaprio to produce UN series
What's the story
Hollywood actors Kevin Costner and Leonardo DiCaprio are reportedly joining hands to executive-produce a new TV series titled United. The show is in the early development stage and will be produced in collaboration with the United Nations, reported Deadline. It will focus on a UN mission to East Timor in 1999, with Costner negotiating to play former US President Bill Clinton.
Plot details
'United' to focus on UN's role in East Timor
The series will delve into the 1999 uprising in East Timor, following a UN-organized independence referendum. The territory was a Portuguese colony until 1975 when it briefly became independent before being annexed by Indonesia with US President Gerald Ford's administration support. The people of East Timor suffered military repression and human rights abuses for decades until they were finally allowed to vote on their future in the late '90s.
Series theme
'United' to highlight humanitarian staff's courage and sacrifice
United will be an "ongoing series dramatizing true stories of the courage and sacrifice that humanitarian staff continuously make around the world." The project is written and directed by David Raymond, who has been working with the UN's Creative Community Outreach Initiative since former UN Secretary Ban Ki-Moon's tenure. The series will be produced by Appian Way, Onwards Studios, and Prime Focus DNEG.
Casting news
Costner and Iwuji's potential roles in 'United'
In addition to Costner, actor Chukwudi Iwuji is also eyeing a role in the series. He is reportedly being considered for the role of UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Iwuji has previously appeared in Peacemaker, Evil, and The Day of the Jackal. He has also starred in films like Play Dirty and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3.
Production details
'United' to be shot in Atlanta and Spain
The production of United is set to take place in Atlanta and Spain next year. Fifth Season will handle the distribution of the series. Costner, known for his roles in The Untouchables, Wyatt Earp, and JFK, has been a part of several historical dramas. He also starred in the Taylor Sheridan series Yellowstone. His upcoming projects include Honeymoon with Harry, an Amazon MGM Studios dramedy where he'll star opposite Jake Gyllenhaal.