The Hollywood Reporter
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7,1999

(LOS ANGELES) - Barry Pepper, who starred as the "Saving Private Ryan" sharpshooter who never failed to pray as he squeezed the trigger, is in final negotiations to star opposite John Travolta in "Battlefield Earth." Directed by Roger Christian, the $80 million-budgeted "Battlefield" is a sci-fi action-adventure tale set in 3000 A.D., when humans have become an endangered species under the ruthless rule of an alien race. Pepper will portray Jonnie, a hero who conquers the dark forces harnessed by bad-guy Travolta and goes on to save the planet. Financed by Elie Samaha's Franchise Films and slated for domestic release through Warner Bros., "Battlefield" will be produced by Travolta, Samaha and Jonathan Krane. (The Hollywood Reporter)