update tuesday 1:53pm: Sad to report Mr. Kerkorian has passed away at age 98. Ironic timing of the movie news. stay tuned…

I told you in February that billionaire Kirk Kerkorian was funding an epic about the Armenian genocide. I said an Oscar nominated director and screenwriter were already attached to the project. I couldn’t tell you then that Terry George, of “Hotel Rwanda” fame, would direct. He asked me not to at the time because the politics were sensitive. He did tell me, “I think the best way to describe it is a WW1 love story, in the style of Dr. Zhivago and Reds, set against the backdrop of the Armenian genocide.”

The movie will be shot in Spain.

Today I can tell you that Terry is the director, and Robin Swicord is the writer. In addition, Christian Bale and Oscar Isaac will co-star in the film, called “The Promise.” Mike Medavoy will be lead producer. Bale and Isaac will be part of a romantic triangle with a yet- to-be announced actress.

When I wrote the original story on February 26, the response I got– and the story got– was overwhelming. This could be a big epic hit. I expect with this updated news, a studio will become involved shortly.