Whitaker joins James McAvoy for the film which tells the story of the strange relationship between a Scottish doctor (McAvoy) and the dictator Idi Amin. "The Last King of Scotland" is based on the book by Giles Foden and was adapted for the screen by Peter Morgan and Jeremy Brock.
Andrea Calderwood, Lisa Bryer and Charles Steel are producing the film, with Andrew Macdonald, Allon Reich, and Tessa Ross executive producing.
In a press release announcing the casting of Whitaker, producer Calderwood was quoted as saying, "There are so many African stories to be told. It's a continent full of extremes and untapped cinematic potential. This story, in particular, has a continuing contemporary resonance."
Executive Producer Ross added, "A master of storytelling through the documentary genre, Kevin Macdonald is the perfect choice to direct this fascinating project."
"The Last King of Scotland" was developed by Film Four. Film Four and DNA are financing the film which will be distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Filming will take place in Uganda and the United Kingdom.
"The Last King of Scotland" - The Official Synopsis
In an incredible twist of fate, a Scottish doctor on a Ugandan medical mission becomes irreversibly entangled with one of the world's most barbaric figures: Idi Amin. Impressed by Dr. Garrigan's brazen attitude in a moment of crisis, the newly self-appointed Ugandan President Amin hand picks him as his personal physician and closest confidante. Though Garrigan is at first flattered and fascinated by his new position, he soon awakens to Amin's savagery -- and his own complicity in it. Horror and betrayal ensue as Garrigan tries to right his wrongs and get out of Uganda alive.
Source: Fox Searchlight
