Originally Posted by Conuil

Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio is expected to confirm this week that he will play Irish High King Brian Boru in a new epic film.
The Titanic star has been heavily tipped for the lead role in Freedom within the Heart - scripted by Mark Mahon from Cork.

It tells the story of Boru's battle against the invading Vikings. Insiders are describing it as an "Irish Braveheart". It's understood that negotiations with DiCaprio and his agents are in the final stages.

Mr Mahon's film, Strength and Honour, won awards for the best leading actor and best picture at the Boston Film Festival last week. Talking about Freedom within the Heart, Mr Mahon said that it had the potential to be an Irish version of "Braveheart".

He told the Sunday Independent: "It is a fantastic story about an incredible time in Irish history and I am very excited about the whole project."

DiCaprio, 32, has been in negotiations for the past six months and a decision on the contract is expected this week. The film will tell the story of Boru's rise to become a powerful leader and will culminate in the Battle of Clontarf between his Irish army and the Vikings.

There are plans to shoot the film on location in Ireland in early 2008.

Is an American Actor the best choice?