Leonardo DiCaprio Will Not Pursue Movie About Poet Rumi

Leonardo DiCaprio hails a cab while walking around town with a shopping bag on Thursday (June 30) in New York City.

The 41-year-old actor was rumored to be involved with an upcoming movie based on the 13th century poet Rumi, but the actor does not plan on pursuing the project, according to THR.

The film’s screenwriter David Franzoni and producer Stephen Joel Brown have mentioned that Leo is their top choice to play the role, but an uproar began as the poet was Persian and not white. A petition even was started for him to not be given the role.

“He hasn’t been asked, but regardless he will not be pursuing the project,” sources close to Leo said.