ORLANDO BLOOM - PERSIAN PRINCE BIDS FOR MOVIE ROLE

A real-life Persian prince is bidding to beat ORLANDO BLOOM and ZAC EFRON to the lead role in forthcoming Disney adventure movie PRINCE OF PERSIA: SANDS OF TIME. Wannabe actor David K. Zandi has circulated an online poll, which he claims has attracted millions of votes, backing his attempt to land the lead part in the big-screen adaptation of the popular computer game. He tells the New York Post, "Most people are fascinated that a real Persian with royal lineage could be hired to play this role." But Disney and director Jerry Bruckheimer insist Zandi - who claims to be one of the last male members of the Zand dynasty which ruled the Persian Empire from 1747 to 1779 - has no chance. A representative for the studio tells the Post, "There is absolutely no truth. The speculation is self-created."