Russell & Jolie to go by 'Playbook' or get evil with 'Maleficent'? (VUL, THR)

By Nancy Tartaglione

David O Russell, who is prepping "The Silver Linings Playbook," has lately been rumored to be courting Angelina Jolie as the lead. Speaking to Vulture, he said "I think Angelina would love to be in it, but I don't know if that'll happen because of some conflicts in scheduling and other stuff. But I love her and I've loved talking to her about several projects." According to The Hollywood Reporter, one of those could be Disney's "Maleficent" which Jolie has been attached to for some time and which Russell is now said to be circling.

Written by Linda Woolverton, the film previously had Tim Burton attached to direct. While Russell is among those now being considered to step in, insiders stressed to THR that there are other names in the mix.

Film is a live-action version of the "Sleeping Beauty" story, told from the point of view of the evil witch.

Meanwhile, Russell also spoke to THR about "Uncharted," the video game adaptation he exited over creative differences.

"What can I say, I waded into those waters of the tentpole movies, and I wrote what I wanted to write, and I feel like I wrote my vision. And the rest is up to those guys. I can't pick for those guys. I don't know what they want to do over there. It's just a parting of the ways creatively."

He further noted he has an action drama project with Lorenzo di Bonaventura called "Mission" and recently spoke with Robert De Niro about "Playbook."

Russell also told Vulture that he's still working on a biopic of Buddy Cianci, the storied former mayor of Providence.