Ledger, Penn take part in Malick's "Life"

By Gregg Goldstein

NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) - Heath Ledger and Sean Penn are in talks to star in a top-secret drama from writer-director Terrence Malick.

Ledger would take the lead in "Tree of Life" opposite an actress to be determined, with Penn in a supporting role. Malick also is in talks, with principal photography set to begin in March.

The film's plot has been closely guarded, but is described by an insider as a complex drama.

Malick last directed 2005's "The New World." The star of that feature, Colin Farrell, was in talks for "Tree of Life" two years ago, with about a third of the shoot set for India, but the star and location are no longer part of the project.

The film will be produced by River Road Entertainment, the company behind "Brokeback Mountain" starring Ledger, and "Into the Wild," directed by Penn. Penn is longtime Malick friend, starring in his 1998 war drama "The Thin Red Line."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter