Here’s an unexpected but delightful casting rumor: award-winning Serbian director Emir Kusturica reportedly wants Johnny Depp to join the cast of his upcoming film about Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa. The screenplay, written by Kusturica’s regular collaborator Goradan Mihic, is based on James Carlos Blake’s novel, The Friends of Pancho Villa, described as “a fictional account of Pancho Villa’s life from the point of view of his lieutenant.” Oscar-winner Javier Bardem is in talks to play the legendary Villa, with Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek also in the cast.

Kusturica will go to Puerto Rico soon to discuss the project with Johnny, according to Blic Online; they last worked together eighteen years ago on the award-winning Arizona Dream. The director hopes to begin filming late this year or in early 2010 in Spain, Mexico and Serbia. “Pancho Villa is a man with an idea of justice, equality, and anti-imperialism,” Kusturica told Blic Online, and he feels passionate about bringing Villa’s story to the screen.

The Zone thanks Emma for breaking the news; you can read more on the News & Views forum. –Part-Time Poet