Viola Davis' negotiating for "The Help"

By Siewaun
Reference: Variety

Viola Davis ("Doubt," "State of Play") is in negotiations to star in DreamWorks' feature adaptation of Kathryn Stockett's best-selling novel "The Help."

Movie explores how the unspoken code of behavior governing Southern households is shattered when an aspiring writer interviews a maid, and sets off shock waves that reverberate through the entire community.

Davis is negotiating to play the role of the maid named Aibileen. While Emma Stone ("The House Bunny," "Zombieland") is in talks to star as the writer.

Tate Taylor, who is also a childhood friend of the author, wrote the script adaptation and will also direct.

Chris Columbus, Michael Barnathan and Mark Radcliffe are producing through their 1492 Pictures banner, alongside Taylor and his Harbinger Pictures' producing partner, Brunson Green.