Jamie Foxx has been tipped for a second Oscar for his new role - and he's only just signed up to it.
Singer and actor Foxx, who won the Best Actor Academy Award for Ray in 2005, will star in The Soloist as a homeless man diagnosed with schizophrenia who is also a Julliard trained violin prodigy.
What's more, The Soloist is based on the true story of Nathaniel Ayers, who was discovered by LA Times journalist Steve Lopez, who used to pass the man playing his tattered violin on the downtown streets of LA. Through a series of interviews he discovers the man's classical training and unfortunate back story.
The script has been written by Erin Brockovich writer Susannah Grant, based on Lopez's upcoming book. It will be directed by British helmer Joe Wright (Pride and Prejudice and forthcoming Keira Knightley/James McAvoy drama Atonement) and shooting starts next January in LA.