Oliver Stone has begun to round out the cast of W, his take on the administration of Bush 43. Word from The Hollywood Reporter is that UK native Thandie Newton (Norbit, The Pursuit of Happyness) is in final talks to play Secretary of State and longtime Bush confidante Condoleezza Rice. She'll join an eclectic ensemble that includes Josh Brolin as George W. and Elizabeth Banks as wife Laura. Welshman Ioan Gruffudd (Fantastic Four) is reportedly close to signing on for the role of British Prime Minister Tony Blair, while the loveably irascible Paul Giamatti is rumored to be in talks to play either Dick Cheney or Karl Rove.
There is apparently no truth, however, to the rumor that twins Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have been approached to play Bush's daughters Jenna and Barbara. Bummer.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter