Newcomer Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford to Star in Jackie Robinson Biopic ’42′
The cultural impact of baseball legend Jackie Robinson on the fabric of this country cannot be understated. In 1947, he broke down the color barrier by becoming the first black player in Major League Baseball and was a leading figure in ending racial segregation in professional sport. Not only that but he was also a hall of fame player over the course of 10 seasons for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Now, Legendary Pictures is moving ahead with 42, a biopic of the mythical figure which will be written and directed by Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential). The film will depict how Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey and Robinson worked together to eradicate segregation in Major League Baseball, starting with the player signing a minor league contract in 1945.
Deadline now reports that Harrison Ford has officially been cast as Rickey, a role that Jack Nicholson and Robert Redford had previously been linked to. This looks the kind of meaty role that Ford has been looking for all these years and we can’t wait to see what he does with it. Additionally, Variety has just revealed that the studio has chosen newcomer Chadwick Boseman (The Express) to take on the role of the legendary ballplayer.
There is no word yet on when the movie will start shooting but this sounds quite promising so far. What do you think?
16 Comments
I’m thrilled about the idea of the movie. Harrison Ford seems like an odd casting decision since he doesn’t particularly look like Branch Rickey. But it’s never about that anyway. It’s about the actor’s abilities, and the role should be in good hands in that regard.
From a baseball fan to another, indeed this sounds like a fantastic project. Hopefully, Ford will get to bounce back from his somewhat disappointing string of movies as of late.
Just as long as it remains Robinson’s story and not Rickey’s.
It better be!
This looks like an intriguing mix of talent involved in one of the truly inspirational real-life stories there is. Count me in as very interested. Thanks for the heads up, Castor.
Yes, I don’t know anything about Boseman but let’s hope he is up to the task
Interesting news this could be a good one even though I have a hard time seeing Harrison Ford playing something else than bitter and grumpy which has become his trademark nowadays.
True hence why it will be a nice change of pace for him.
Sounds like a cool idea. Robinson is worthy of a Biopic. Hopes its a home run. (pun intended)
If memory serves, Jackie played himself in his own biopic many years ago. Supposedly, as an actor he was a great ballplayer.
Huh. Yup. IMDb lists “The Jackie Robinson Story”. I’m sure he was quite a thespian.
Regardless, it’s be worth checking out if I caome across it I’m sure…
Thanks for teachin’ me up on that one Rich!!
Thanks for the insight Rich! Didn’t know that one.
I can’t wait to see what Chadwick Boseman does with this, and am really glad that they cast a newcomer for this role. I think it will allow Robinson to feel like a new discovery, as opposed to feeling like we’re watching someone famous pretend.
And it’s great to see Ford doing something other than action flicks. Now I hope he pulls it off.
It’s always nice to see new faces get a chance! Absolutely agree that it gives a biopic a refreshing tone.
Harrison Ford, cool! Good for Chadwick to be starring with him, let’s hope he’ll do well here and make this one to be his breakout role.
Let’s hope so
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