Eric Roth is in talks to pen 'Cleopatra'

Roth"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" scribe Eric Roth is in talks to reteam with producer Scott Rudin on Sony Pictures' "Cleopatra," which has Angelina Jolie attached to star as the Egyptian queen.David Fincher is circling the pic, which Brian Helgeland initially adapted from Stacy Schiff's bestselling book "Cleopatra: A Life." There is no deal in place yet for Roth, and while Sony wouldn't confirm his involvement, sources close to the project confirm he has been approached and will likely begin writing within the next several weeks.Film will tell Cleopatra's story from a woman's perspective, depicting her as a master strategist when it comes to both politics and war.Rudin acquired the book and is producing the pic, which is expected to carry a sizable price tag, though Jolie has proven herself as a bankable actress who can open a movie. Her last two live-action pics, "The Tourist" and "Salt," respectively grossed $278 and $293 million worldwide for Sony.It remains unclear whether "Cleopatra" will be shot in 3D, which was James Cameron's plan back when he was interested in directing the project.Roth previously wrote Sony's Muhammad Ali biopic "Ali" for director Michael Mann, and most recently wrote "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" for Jolie's partner, Brad Pitt. Scribe is repped by CAA. Contact Jeff Sneider at jeff.sneider@variety.com