Blood Diamond, the 2006 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Connelly, almost succumbed to the depths of development hell

The critically acclaimed film Blood Diamond, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Connelly, almost succumbed to the depths of development hell before finally gracing the silver screen in 2006.

Blood Diamond

The story, originally titled Okavango, was plagued by development issues for years before finally being rescued by producers Paula Weinstein and Gillian Gorfil.

Development Hell and the Birth of Blood Diamond

Blood Diamond, a compelling drama set against the backdrop of the Sierra Leone Civil War, is a film that almost never saw the light of day. It crossed a journey from its initial conception, languishing in development hell, to ultimately receiving five Oscar nominations.

The film’s origins trace back to Warner Bros. in 2004 when Charles Leavitt was tasked with rewriting an early draft titled Okavango. The project had been stuck in development hell for years until producers Paula Weinstein and Gillian Gorfil took the reins.

To breathe life into the screenplay, Charles Leavitt immersed himself in extensive research on the diamond industry. Recognizing the potential for controversy, Leavitt assumed his portrayal might offend industry giants like De Beers.

A scene from Blood Diamond movie.

However, Paula Weinstein felt Leavitt’s draft needed further refinement, though she was very much impressed with the script. She brought in Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz for a rewrite.

However, the duo’s involvement went beyond mere rewriting; Zwick, captivated by the story, agreed to take on the directorial reins as well.

Blood Diamond Was a Critically Acclaimed Movie

Blood Diamond hit theaters in 2006 to critical acclaim, particularly lauding the powerhouse performances of Leonardo DiCaprio and co-star Djimon Hounsou.

The film not only resonated with audiences, grossing $171 million worldwide but also garnered five Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for DiCaprio.

A scene from Blood Diamond movie.

Set against the backdrop of the Sierra Leone Civil War (1991–2002), Blood Diamond unflinchingly depicts the devastating consequences of the conflict.

The narrative weaves a tale of a nation torn apart by the struggle between government loyalists and insurgent forces, including the rebels’ brutal act of severing civilians’ hands to suppress voter turnout.