Stephen Spielberg May Direct 'Montezuma' Based on Dalton Trumbo Script

While Steven Spielberg's name continued to be mentioned for a number of projects in 2013, for the most part they were projects he was dropping out of. For awhile he was expected to follow-up Lincoln with the big budget sci-fi adaptation, Robopocalypse, before shelving it so the script could be improved. He then came aboard American Sniper, which had a ton of heat behind it until he dropped out of that, as well. So it's still up in the air what he'll actually direct next, but an interesting new contender has emerged.

Deadline reports Spielberg may direct Montezuma, about the 16th century conflict that led to the fall of the Aztec Empire. What's interesting about it is the script would be based on the work of blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo, which he penned some fifty years ago. Trumbo was one of Hollywood's most prominent screenwriters, penning Spartacus, Roman Holiday, and The Brave One, but was blacklisted for refusing to testify during the House's investigation into Communist activity. He apparently developed Montezuma at the behest of his Spartacus star, Kirk Douglas, but the project never made it into development. Steve Zaillian will produce and give the script a rewrite, and apparently Javier Bardem is interested in the role of Spanish Conquistador Hernán Cortés, and the title may actually change to 'Cortes' since the film is told from his point-of-view.

It was only a couple of years ago that Trumbo was finally given full credit for penning Roman Holiday, and with Bryan Cranston set to play him in an upcoming biopic, it's good to see Trumbo's work being recognized again. At this point it's unclear when Spielberg could fit this project into his schedule. It could be next or further down the line as there's always the possibility he dusts off Robopocalypse first. He's also attached to produce another long-shelved project, Stanley Kubrick's Napoleon, which Baz Luhrmann is directing as a TV miniseries.