Jessica Chastain is set to star in the screen version of the popular novel, THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE. Written by Diane Ackerman, the novel is a true account during WWII about the keepers of the Warsaw Zoo who saved hundreds during the Nazi invasion. The film will be directed by Niki Caro with the screenplay written by Angela Workman. Niki Caro previously directed the very underrated WHALE RIDER in 2002, the Charlize Theron driven NORTH COUNTRY in 2005, then most recently A HEAVENLY VINTAGE in 2009. The director seems to have a knack for female driven films, so THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE might be right up her alley. Here is the novel’s synopsis:
When Germany invaded Poland, Stuka bombers devastated Warsaw—and the city’s zoo along with it. With most of their animals dead, zookeepers Jan and Antonina Zabinski began smuggling Jews into empty cages. Another dozen “guests” hid inside the Zabinskis’ villa, emerging after dark for dinner, socializing, and, during rare moments of calm, piano concerts. Jan, active in the polish resistance, kept ammunition buried in the elephant enclosure and stashed explosives in the animal hospital. Meanwhile, Antonina kept her unusual household afloat, caring for both its human and its animal inhabitants—otters, a badger, hyena pups, lynxes.
Any studio would be lucky to get Jessica Chastain in their film as she is quickly becoming one of the most talent and desired actresses. Jessica Chastain is also one of the hardest working actors. She recently starred in the horror film MAMA, the bootlegging crime drama LAWLESS, and the Academy Award winning film ZERO DARK THIRTY for which she was also nominated for Best Actress. In 2011, she starred in several solid films including, THE HELP, TEXAS KILLING FIELDS, TAKE SHELTER, THE DEPT and my personal favorite THE TREE OF LIFE. THE ZOOKEEPER’S WIFE is expected to hit the market in Cannes. (THR)
