There are actors and then there are those who transcend that label to become cinematic icons. And I don’t think anyone would disagree that Steve McQueen was, and still is, one of those icons–one loved by film fans across the globe.
Well, it appears that in further recognition of McQueen’s impact on the world of film, a biopic about his life is in the works, which is to be based on the 1993 biography written by Marshall Terill, Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel.
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The film will be produced by Michael Cerenzie and Christine Peters, who both acquired the rights to make it, alongside Brian Oliver and Chuck Rock of Arthaus Productions.
The project will mainly concentrate on McQueen’s Hollywood career, which started in 1956 with Somebody Up There Likes Me, but the biography also includes details of his off-screen inclinations towards motorbikes, fast-cars and drugs.
Well this is just fantastic news, although I’m actually surprised it’s taken so long for a biopic of the legend to get made. As I said above, McQueen really is an icon and I would be extremely interested to see his life explored on-screen.
No word yet on who will play McQueen, which is understandable since the project hasn’t been long announced, but well-received suggestions of Daniel Craig have already popped up on message boards around the Web. And even though Craig playing the role is really just wishful thinking at this stage, I still wouldn’t rule the possibility out. Craig is not that dissimilar in look to McQueen and films like Flashbacks of a Fool, Defiance and of course the Bond films (well, at least Casino Royale), have shown us he’s got a lot of acting talent.
So, are you glad that they’re finally adapting Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel for the screen? And who do you think could fill the shoes of the acting legend?
Sources: Coming Soon and Variety
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19 Comments
I’ll probably see this one. But it’ll depend on who they get to play the late, great, Steve McQueen.
That’s so strange to me. Somebody playing Steve McQueen just sounds like a strange statement i thought would never hear anybody say. I hope its good though.
I know that a few years ago Brad Pitt was trying to get a film about Steve McQueen done through his production company (I think it’s Plan B ) and he (Pitt) is fascinated with McQueen (he bought the car that was featured in the movie Bullit)…SO it sounds to me like Pitt could be a natural for this role…
I think IMO McQueen is up there with other cinematic icons like Paul Newman, Robert Redford, Cary Grant and Marlon Brando…I really have enjoyed all his films and the guy exudes a confidence on film that no one else other than maybe Paul Newman was able to convey..This is good news as it is time for McQueen’s star to shine for latter generations born after his untimely death…
If Pitt plays McQueen, I’m boycotting the movie. That’s an insult to Steve McQueen.
@ Tiny
It’s bound to happen with iconic people. Not to make it sound insensitive because maybe the person making this happen actually wants to honor him, but it’s bound to be a money maker. Look out for a Paul Newman biopic soon.
And I know all of TDK fanboys is just about to come in here to declare that the best person to play Steve McQueen is Christian Bale. Watch…
Sorry Ken but I think this may be a role Pitt my actively seek to get..He’s a McQueen buff and has already stated a few years back that he would love to play McQueen in this type of film…
790 can you help me out here…I know I read those articles maybe four or five years back in some magazine…
Colin Ferguson should play steve mcqueen, he looks like him so much: http://bestof.provocateuse.com/images/photos/colin_ferguson_99.jpg
His presence elevated The Towering Inferno into a great movie. Its one of my favorite films. I Love The Great Escape and He made The Blob a very memorable B-movie. A look at his life in a bio-pic will be very interesting!
chuck
greenknight, I think A LOT of people are Steve McQueen buffs… I think that’s what makes him an icon…
I don’t mind Brad Pitt playing someone likes James Dean (Although James Franco would probably be a better fit in terms of looks) but not Steve McQueen.
Although I cannot really tihnk of anyone in particular for the role, it’s basically an “anyone but Brad Pitt” opinion from me.
Why only his Hollywood career? Because they want to keep the running time at 100 minutes?
ZAR.
I think Damian Lewis, that dude from “Life”, looks just like him.
Check out damian-lewis.com
I would rather prefer an intensive documentary using archive footage (home, studio, etc.) done on the ICON, but, how about Guy Pearce for the role?
Pearce is as solid an actor as any out there! He can deliver, but, like what Tiny has written, it would be too strange and weird seeing someone play McQueen.
I have to agree with Ross on this one. Craig is without a doubt a shoe-in to play McQueen. If you watch any of is previous BBC work and his work in Road to Perdition, Layer Cake, and any other of his dramatic credits you can see that Craig is really a fantastic actor. Also, if anyone has every seen the movie The Jacket, Craig is one of the crazies in the institute and has the ability to completely erase his english accent.
I also believe that with an icon like McQueen he had a cool factor. People tried dressing like him, cutting their hair like him, and acting like him. Craig has that cool factor and that rough around the edges look. That’s just my two cents. What do you think?
Too bad Craig was pretty blah in Quantum of Solace. But that’s probably due to a pretty blah director…
I have heard that Brad Pitt has signed on.I pray not! I certainly wont watch it,or if they put in Colin Farrell,who I have seen touted as well.In my opinion,only Daniel Craig could pull it off.Some people have put forth Damien Lewis,but hes a bit too soft looking,too English.Not nearly as strong,or tough.
Count me in on the “no Brad Pitt” vote…
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