Freeman wins starring role in Mandela film

The American actor Morgan Freeman is to play Nelson Mandela in a film version of the former South African president's autobiography. Although the project has been in development for years, the British-Pakistani director Shekhar Kapur has finally persuaded the Shawshank Redemption star to take the Mandela role. Freeman said yesterday: "I am honoured, and completely terrified that I won't live up to the job of realistically representing this great man. But it is a role I feel I cannot turn down. It is an honour."

He says he has an agreement with Mr Mandela to meet any time the pair happen to be within 1,000 miles of each other. Mr Mandela said he would gladly speak to Freeman about all aspects of his life and open his heart.

The film is based on the former president's book, Long Walk To Freedom, which describes his struggle in the African National Congress against apartheid and the 27 years he spent in prison. He was freed in 1990 and served as President from 1994-99.

Kapur, who made Elizabeth and The Four Feathers, said: "Mandela is a spiritual hero like [Mahatma] Gandhi." He told Screen Daily magazine: "Mandela did not have to fight a bloody battle to win. I am delighted Morgan has accepted the role. He is ideal."

Freeman, 65, has spent most of his career on the stage in America. When he was 50 he landed his first film lead. He is now ranked 31 in Empire magazine's Top 100 Movie Stars of All Time, and has been nominated for an Oscar three times.