Sony Pictures is fasttracking the film based on a "brilliant" script draft by Brian Helgeland(Green Zone), with the plan to turn this into a massive historical epic. Scott Rudin(The Social Network) is the super producer trying to lure in Cameron, who would add even more gravitas to a project that already has the potential to be larger than life. Obviouisly his ability with 3D technology would be a bonus. Reports are that the negotiations are serious but a deal isn't imminent at this time.
We're still at least a couple of years away from any Avatar sequels, with the script not even underway by most accounts. Taking on a project of this size would obviously delay that even further.
For more info on Cleopatra: A Life, you can check out the product description, and listen to Stacy Schiff talk about the book herself by clicking here. While there, why not reserve yourself a copy? Sounds awesome, and since I've actually begun reading things not involving superheroes again I might actually pick it up.
You can read more of Deadline's extensive coverage of this story here.
