Nicole Kidman to replace Naomi Watts in "Queen of the Desert"

PanARMENIAN.Net - Director Werner Herzog has reportedly found his new "Queen of the Desert" for the Gertrude Bell biopic project he has been long working on. Nicole Kidman is reportedly tapped to play the influential female British archaeologist and explorer after Naomi Watts left the project, AceShowbiz said.

The male lead casting also previously had a switcheroo. "Anna Karenina" actor Jude Law was initially attached to portray the leading man before "Oz: The Great and Powerful" star James Franco was signed on to star in the pic. Also joining the cast is Robert Pattinson.

The movie will chart Bell's involvement in the formation of the Middle East at the dawn of the 20th century. Nick Raslan will produce the flick through his Palmyra Films banner along with Cassian Elwes and Michael Benaroya, Deadline reports.

Kidman's last two movies were both thrillers. She starred opposite Matthew McConaughey, Zac Efron and John Cusack in Lee Daniels' 2012 "The Paperboy" and then played an unstable mother in "Stoker" with Mia Wasikowska.

"If Kidman nabs the role of Gertrude Bell, this will be her second biopic this year. The other is the highly anticipated Grace of Monaco, which sees her in the pivotal role of Grace Kelly. Although word hasn’t been out on her performance from the film, it’s on everyone’s must see list, and is in favorable contention for awards season.

Currently Nicole Kidman is promoting Jonathan Teplitzky’s WWII drama The Railway Man at the Toronto Film Festival. In that film she replaced Rachel Weisz. Although she doesn’t seem to be a first choice these days, Kidman is still making great strides in her career," The Inquisitr said.