Morgan Freeman has revealed that he has been prepared to play Nelson Mandela for many years.
The actor takes on the role of the iconic politician in Clint Eastwood's new movie Invictus, which also stars Matt Damon.
The film is already surrounded by Oscar whispers and Freeman is amongst the favourites to be nominated for a Best Actor Oscar. if not win it.
In an interview with Parade the actor said: "This may sound stupid, but as an actor you embody the role, and whatever you say is from total conviction."
The actor also revealed that Mandela wanted Freeman to play him on the big screen when they met several years ago: "He told me he wanted me to play him in a movie someday. Then I need access to you, and I need to be able to hold your hand'.
"And he said, 'We'll do that'. So anytime we were anywhere in proximity after that, we'd schmooze."
"I've always been preparing for the time I stepped in front of the camera as him. The luckiest part of my entire existence is finding this script and sending it to Clint, and then he said, 'Yes'."
Freeman won a Best Supporting Actor for his role in Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby in 2005 but he has never won a Best Actor gong.
Invictus is released 5th February 2010.
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