Scott
A sojourn to "Tripoli" isn't just risky these days, it's expensive, too.
Twentieth Century Fox is looking for partners to come aboard its pricey "Tripoli" project, which is skedded to lense on the coast of Morocco this summer.
The threat of war in nearby Iraq hasn't yet affected the schedule -- but its budget might. The project is estimated by insiders to cost as much as $120 million, and war insurance could drive that higher. Nonetheless, "Tripoli" has several studios circling a co-financing deal.
A spokeswoman for helmer Ridley Scott acknowledged talks have been held with Sony's Columbia and insiders at Warner Bros. Said they'd be interested, too.
That Fox is, at the minimum, seeking financial partners on the pic should come as no surprise. Studio has more money tied up in costly, unreleased films than ever before: Its sequel to "X-Men" is edging past the $100 million mark, while "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen" is at $78 million, and Russell Crowe epic "Master and Commander" is similarly pricey.
The final budget on "Tripoli" will depend, of course, on its final script, penned by William Monahan. Two weeks ago, multiple drafts were being considered with various scenes included and deleted that could significantly affect pic's final negative cost.
"Tripoli" tells the true story of William Eaton, an American who helped the heir to the throne of Tripoli lead an overthrow of a corrupt ruler in the early 1800s. Producers are Scott Free Prods., Mark Gordon, and Branco Lustig.
Contact the Variety newsroom at
news@variety.com