Variety reports today that Graham King, one of the producers of SHANTARAM, has just signed a two-year first-look deal at Warner Bros. Pictures. Under the arrangement, says Variety, “King’s Initial Entertainment Group will shift its deals with Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way and with [Johnny Depp’s] Infinitum Nihil to Warners.” Warners has been actively involved in the production of SHANTARAM from the beginning–Warner Bros. signed the $2 million check to purchase the rights to Gregory David Roberts’ novel last October, on the strength of Johnny’s interest in the project. The Zone thanks emma for breaking this story and posting it on the News & Views forum.

Warners production president Jeff Robinov sounds delighted to get “the first look” at the movies King is producing in the next two years. “Graham’s passion for making movies, his great taste in material and his outstanding relationships with filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and actors like Johnny and Leo is a tremendous asset to us,” Robinov told Variety. The article confirms that Graham King’s next projects will be Martin Scorsese’s THE DEPARTED (King produced Scorsese’s last two films, THE AVIATOR and GANGS OF NEW YORK, both with Leonardo DiCaprio)and the Johnny Depp vehicle SHANTARAM with Plan B and Depp’s Infinitum Nihil. SHANTARAM is a drama about an escaped convict who tries to disappear in Bombay. Gregory David Roberts is currently adapting the screenplay from his own novel.

If you would like to know more about SHANTARAM, stop by ONBC this month, as the book club prepares to read Gregory Roberts’ novel. Liz and DeppintheHeartofTexas have lots of interesting background information to share which will enhance your appreciation of Roberts’ fascinating tale. You can jump into the discussion anytime!