Jude Law Joining Werner Herzog’s ‘Queen of the Desert’

Jude Law Joining Werner Herzog’s ‘Queen of the Desert’

He’ll star opposite Naomi Watts and Robert Pattinson in the biopic of Gertrude Bell, described as the female Lawrence of Arabia.

Adding another title to its arsenal, Sierra/Affinity will represent foreign rights to Werner Herzog’s Gertrude Bell biopic Queen of the Desert.

Jude Law is joining the cast of the film, which headlines Naomi Watts as Bell and Robert Pattinson as T.E. Lawrence, otherwise known as Lawrence of Arabia.

Bell — like Lawrence — was an explorer, writer, archaeologist and attaché for the British Empire, credited with helping to catalyze the formation of the Middle East at the dawn of the 20th century. She and Lawrence often crossed paths.

Nick Raslan is producing via his Palmyra Films banner along with Cassian Elwes and Michael Benaroya. Benaroya’s Benaroya Pictures banner will finance the film.

Raslan also produced Herzog’s Rescue Dawn. “It is great to be working again on this epic story, as Ms. Been has been called the female Lawrence of Arabia,” he said.

Sierra/Affinity will handle international sales and will make it available to buyers during this year’s American Film Market.

“It is a great opportunity to be working with such acclaimed talent on such an important project. We look forward to seeing Werner Herzog make this exciting piece of history come alive for a global audience,” Sierra/Affinity CEO Nick Meyer said.

Principal photography is scheduled to begin in Morocco in March 2013.

Benaroya Pictures’ credits include The Words, Lawless and Margin Call

Law was most recently in theaters with Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, as well as Hugo, 360, Hugo and Contagion. He’s represented by Julian Belfrange Associates and WME.

- Hollywood Reporter