In an effort to make up for his most recent movie, the Diane Lane horse drama ‘Secretariat,’ under-performing at the box office, director Randall Wallace is hoping to rebound by putting together a new independent movie. Wallace wants to bring ‘Love and Honor,’ the story of the reign of the Russian czarina Catherine the Great during the 18th century, to the big screen, Cinemablend.com is reporting.

Rumors are also circulating that ‘G.I. Joe’ star Channing Tatum is attached to star as a Virginian solider. He’s sent to Russia by Benjamin Franklin to speak to the czarina. His job is to convince Catherine not to support the British in the pending American Revolution by sending Russian troops to the 13 colonies to fight. While there, Tatum’s character seduces Catherine.

At one point, Angelina Jolie was in talks to play Catherine, but that hasn’t been confirmed. Anne Hathaway is also rumored to reunite with her ‘Havoc’ co-star by playing an attendant who is Tatum’s actual love interest. Production isn’t expected to begin filming anytime soon, as Wallace still needs to hire actress and secure financiers. Tatum also already has several other projects lined up first.

Written by: Karen Benardello

Channing Tatum