Colin Firth signs up for WWII biopic

Colin Firth has signed on to star in The Railway Man, Frank Cottrell Boyce and Andy Paterson’s adaptation of Eric Lomax’s best-selling account of his torture during the construction of the Death Railway in World War II and his mission to seek revenge on his tormentor.

Directed by Jonathan Teplitzky, the film is being distributed by Lionsgate UK and marks the first major investment from Daria Jovicic’s Latitude Media.

Filming begins in February 2012 on location in the UK, Thailand and Queensland, Australia. The film is an Official Australia/UK co-production between Archer Street and Pictures in Paradise.

Announcing Firth’s participation, Lionsgate UK CEO Zygi Kamasa said: “To have Colin Firth in such a compelling story as The Railway Man is a real coup for us. We’re looking forward to working with Andy, Chris, Bill and Jonathan on this epic tale of love and redemption which we think will have universal appeal for audiences around the world.”
 
Teplitzky said: “The Railway Man is an amazing story and to have the chance to make it with Colin Firth as Eric is really the best gift any director could hope for.”

Firth can be seen starring opposite Gary Oldman in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy which opens this Friday