Robert De Niro to Play Chinese Dictator?  7/17/07

Hollywood actor Robert De Niro is set to produce and star in a movie about the life of Chinese dictator Chairman Mao.

The Godfather star is reportedly behind plans for a new biopic, Chasing the Dragon, which will document the late Communist leader's rise to power in the 1940s.

A source tells British newspaper The Daily Express, "De Niro is fascinated by Mao's rise to power and he and his producing partner (Jane Rosenthal) are committed to making the film.

"It is understood that De Niro will also star in the movie, although playing Mao will probably be a stretch, even for someone as versatile as he is!"