Universal Studios has confirmed that it is picking up Aaron Sorkin’s Steve Jobs biopic after the movie was dropped by Sony Pictures Entertainment. Universal reportedly paid around $30 million for the rights to the project, which Sony has been working on for the past two years.
A Universal spokesman confirmed the deal on Monday, says The Hollywood Reporter, which was first to bring us the news that the project was going to change hands. It’s still unclear why Sony decided it would no longer continue with the film, which has already been written by Sorkin.
The biopic is based on Walter Isaacson’s best-selling Steve Jobs biography, which was released in 2011, shortly after Jobs’ death. Slumdog Millionaire’s Danny Boyle has been chosen to direct the movie, while Scott Rudin, Mark Gordon, and Guymon Casady are producing.
An actor is yet to be confirmed for the leading role, though many have been considered, according to reports. Christian Bale came closest when Sorkin confirmed he had been offered the role without an audition, but he backed out after reportedly deciding he didn’t suit the part. More recent rumors claim Michael Fassbender will replace him.
Seth Rogen is expected to play the part of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, while Zero Dark Thirty star Jessica Chastain has reportedly been hired for another key part, likely Jobs’ daughter Lisa.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter,
