Cassavetes to enter 'Peaceable Kingdom'

Nick Cassavetes, helmer of the acclaimed romantic drama "The Notebook," is set to direct New Line Cinema's upcoming drama "Peaceable Kingdom."

According to Variety, the film is based on the life and career of Dame Daphne Sheldrick, an animal conservationist in Kenya who spent most of her life fighting against elephant extinction.

Jeff Stockwell, the guy behind the decent "Bridge to Terabithia," wrote the script. Producer Cathy Schulman told Variety she hopes "Kingdom" will be a "four-quadrant family film."

Cassavetes' directing credits also include "John Q," a thriller I mildly enjoyed. He also helmed "Alpha Dog," a rather intriguing drama based on the life of Jesse James Hollywood. The filmmaker most recently finished "My Sister's Keeper," due in theaters June 26, 2009.

For more information about Dame Daphne Sheldrick, check out this Web site.