LIAM NEESON - NEESON TO STAR IN PAISLEY BIOPIC

Actor LIAM NEESON is being lined up to star in a biopic of inimitable Northern Irish politician the REVEREND IAN PAISLEY. Outspoken Paisley, who famously renounced POPE JOHN PAUL II as "the Antichrist" during a meeting with the head of the Roman Catholic Church, is expected to green-light the movie later this month (MAR07). Neeson, who shares the controversial politician's hometown of Ballymena, has previously spoken of his admiration for Paisley's demeanour, often going to hear him preach. He says, "It was to watch a great actor perform because he was extraordinary. He was this preacher, this Bible-thumping, big, big, man." Belfast playwright GARY MITCHELL will pen the script. He says, "I think it's a great opportunity to explore and, I suppose, expose the great man in all his vices and all his virtues."