Kathryn Bigelow, Terrence Malick Circling "Held by the Taliban"

By our guest blogger, Matt Jussim

Directors Kathryn Bigelow ("The Hurt Locker") and Terrence Malick ("The New World," "The Thin Red Line") are said to be circling the Afghanistan-themed "Held by the Taliban," says The Hollywood Reporter.

According to the Reporter: “'Held by the Taliban' is a package that has been out to studios that aims to adapt a five-part New York Times series about David Rohde's experience as a captive of the Taliban in Afghanistan for seven months.

The reporter was kidnapped with two Afghan colleagues on Nov. 10, 2008, as they traveled to an interview with a Taliban commander outside of Kabul.

Bigelow's name was linked to the package, as the director expressed interest, but she is not yet attached. Malick's involvement is a bit stranger, with the director saying he wants to act as a producer and pitch his take on the material to buyers.

Stephen Belber, who most recently wrote and directed the Jennifer Aniston comedy "Management," is attached to adapt, and Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall is attached to produce.

Bigelow, who has garnered a ton of awards and praise for her work on “The Hurt Locker,” could be a perfect fit for the film. Her gritty, realistic portrayal of the war in Iraq could translate perfectly to this film.

Malick’s involvement would be even better. A filmmaker known for being extraordinarily picky about his projects, if he wants to be involved in this, clearly he has some strong ideas. His films, including “The Thin Red Line” and “Badlands,” usually feature naturalistic settings and realistic elements

The deal for the articles, and who will direct or produce, is likely to be decided by the end of the weekend.