Morgan Freeman to play Nelson Mandela in new film

Washington, July 4 : Actor Morgan Freeman has been roped in to play former South African leader Nelson Mandela in a new film about the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

The 71-year-old actor revealed that in order to perfect his role, he is trying to master Mandela's voice and his heavy accent.

The film is based on John Carlin's book Nelson Mandela + The Game That Made a Nation.

"I've got to suggest his voice and his speech without making a fool of myself," Contactmusic quoted Freeman, as saying.

Shooting for the new film will start early next year in South Africa, where the 1995 World Cup was held.

ANI