Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo could be teaming up with Belle director Amma Asante for new drama A United Kingdom.

The actors are both in negotiations to sign up as the film’s leads and Amma has now been confirmed as helming the project, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

A United Kingdom tells the true story of Seretse Khama, a member of the Royal family in the African nation that would one day become Botswana, with him serving as the first president.

Rosamund Pike
Rosamund Pike (Abraham Caro Marin/AP)

But in 1948 Seretse sparked outrage with his family and others across the country by marrying a white woman at a time when interracial marriage was still illegal in South Africa, leading to Great Britain banning him from his own country in 1951.

David, who is also one of the film’s producers, said: “Amma and Rosamund are two of the most exciting talents working in film today. I’ve worked with both of them before and so my excitement about them joining A United Kingdom stems from a knowledge of just how inspiring they are to work with and how much daring and beauty they will bring to this epic love story.”

Amma Asante
Amma Asante (Jonathan Short/Invision)

The Selma star is currently filming Queen Of Katwe with Lupita Nyong’o, while Gone Girl star Rosamund is set to begin work on World War II drama HHHH.

A United Kingdom will be Amma’s third film as a director.