Uzbek First Daughter Karimova Writing Screenplay, Eyeing Depardieu To Star

French actor Gerard Depardieu (left)

Reports in Uzbek media suggest the daughter of autocratic Uzbek President Islam Karimov is reportedly working on a film that could feature French actor Gerard Depardieu.

Gulnara Karimova is a diplomat, pop star, and fashion designer who many believe may succeed her father as president.

She says she is writing a screenplay set in sixth-century Central Asia.

The news site olam.uz quotes Uzbek filmmaker Akbar Khakimov as saying Depardieu is expected to play a Christian monk in the film.

An unnamed source at Karimova's Fund Forum charity reportedly told the French news agency AFP that Depardieu's involvement is being "negotiated."

Depardieu played a prominent role in a 2009 film, "The Late Love," shot in Kazakhstan.

The French movie star has not commented on whether he will appear in Karimova's film.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and olam.uz