Director Shekhar Kapur ("The Four Feathers", "Elizabeth") made the announcement at the Capri-Hollywood film festival.

Mandela was president of South Africa from 1994-1999, after spending 27 years in prison for anti-apartheid activities.

To prepare for the role, Freeman says he and Mandela plan to meet whenever they are within 1000 miles of each other.

A release date for the film, being written by William Nicholson ("Gladiator"), has yet to be announced.