Colin Firth to play King George VI

NEW YORK, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- The Weinstein Co. says it has acquired all rights to the film "The King's Speech" in North America, Germany, France, Scandinavia, China and Latin America.

The New York-based studio said it made the deal with See-Saw Films and Bedlam Productions for the movie, which will be directed by Tom Hooper, whose credits include TV's "John Adams" and the film "Elizabeth I."

"Tucker: The Man and His Dream" scribe David Seidler is penning the screenplay for "Speech," which is about the man who would become Britain's King George VI, the father of the current Queen, Elizabeth II.

It is to co-star Colin Firth as the monarch and Geoffrey Rush as the speech therapist who helps him get over his stammer. Both actors previously appeared in "Shakespeare in Love," a film about love and literature in Queen Elizabeth I's court. That film was also produced by Bob and Harvey Weinstein under their former Miramax banner.

David Glasser, TWC's president of international distribution, and Tom Ortenberg, TWC's president of theatrical films, announced the acquisition of "Speech" on Wednesday.

"'The King's Speech' is a powerful story about a remarkable time in history," Glasser said in a statement. "We're looking forward to working with See-Saw and Bedlam, who are so passionate about this project, and with Tom, David and Geoffrey."

Principal photography is to start later this year, and TWC plans a 2010 release.