Futterman will play part of WSJ reporter Daniel Pearl

Actor Dan Futterman has agreed to play the role of slain Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl opposite Angelia Jolie, who will play Pearl’s wife, according to a Washington Post story on Monday.

The story noted that Futterman has met with Pearl’s parents, and was recently in Pakistan working on the movie.

Post reporters Amy Argetsinger and Roxanne Roberts wrote, “Security concerns were so high that all involved were sworn to secrecy. Because they hoped to be perceived as a documentary or news crew, the filming took place without any Hollywood trappings. There was also some concern because Futterman, like Pearl, is Jewish. ‘One thing I admire about Danny is how proud he was of his heritage, and how he refused to lie about it, no matter where he was,’ he said.

“Futterman, 39, was picked for the part two months ago after a two-hour meeting with Winterbottom. ‘The movie’s not about Daniel Pearl — it’s about the search for him,’ Futterman said. ‘We talked a lot about the balance, showing enough to make an impact. By all accounts, he and Mariane had a really blessed relationship.’ The actor has met with Pearl’s parents: ‘They were extremely generous, but I was aware that it was an incredibly sad meeting to be having.'”

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