Eastwood may direct Mandela World Cup film

Clint Eastwood may direct an upcoming Hollywood film based on former South African president Nelson Mandela and his appearance at the 1995 Rugby World Cup final, United States media reported on Tuesday.

Oscar-winner Eastwood has been linked to the film as plans take shape for the post-apartheid drama, which will see Morgan Freeman portray Mandela, entertainment journal Daily Variety reported.

Matt Damon is in talks to play Springboks captain Francois Pienaar, the report added.

The film is to be based on a book by British journalist John Carlin, The Human Factor: Nelson Mandela and the Game That Changed the World.

It will focus on events surrounding the Rugby World Cup in South Africa 12 years ago and how Mandela used the tournament—won by the host nation—to bring white and black South Africans together.

Mandela appeared in a South Africa jersey to present the trophy to Pienaar after the final at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, which has become an iconic moment in the history of the country and sport.—Sapa-AFP