Jackie Robinson was a phenomenal baseball player in his time trouncing stereotypes and becoming an exemplary figure in history. Today we learn that this mans story is being translated into film.
Source: Deadline
Legendary Pictures has announced it has made a deal to collaborate with the estate of Jackie Robinson and his widow Rachel on a feature biopic about the Brooklyn Dodgers second baseman who broke Major League Baseball’s color line. Brian Helgeland will write the script and direct the film. Legendary chairman Thomas Tull will produce and Jon Jashni will be exec producer.
Robinson’s speed, defense and hitting ability made him a Hall of Famer, but the core of any film about him was the discipline and quiet determination he showed in not reacting to the taunts and threats of racist fans and fellow ballplayers. Robinson opened the door for other black stars who followed him, like Larry Doby and Roy Campanella, and so his legacy goes way beyond hitting statistics.
I vaguely remember Denzel Washington once being attached to this role but wouldn’t be surprised if this is no longer the case. The idea of this movie sounds great, and it seems to have the right people working to make this one a reality. Looking forward to the eventual casting rumors, teases, and announcements that may surround this film.
