John Belushi’s story is headed for the big screen.
The iconic comedian, most famous for his role on Saturday Night Live and such films that came with it such as The Blues Brothers, has left a legacy that many actors dream of- and he left us far too soon at the young age of 33 from an infamous drug overdose. The project for the film has been in talks for a while, and there was once a biopic about him which starred Michael Chiklis and was adapted from the Bob Woodward book Wired. However, the Belushi family had boycotted it.
This time there is support from the family, as Belushi’s widow Judy Belushi Pisano is producing, as well as one of Belushi’s best friends, Dan Akroyd is filling in the role of executive producer.
The film is going to be directed by The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’s screenwriter Steve Conrad. He also co-wrote the script with The Hangover director, Todd Phillips. As far as casting goes, top contenders for the role of John Belushi look to be Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild, Prince Avalanche) or Adam Devine (Workaholics). There has also been talk of Joaquin Phoenix being considered for the part. The role of Dan Akroyd is also looking to be cast, right now the only name surfacing being Nelson Franklin who has had small parts on Veep and New Girl.
Fans of Belushi and his Saturday Night Live legacy have something promising to look forward to with this project; if it is done right it can offer both a hilarious and dark look into the comedian’s real life. The film looks to start shooting in Spring 2014, in New York.
Who do you see in the role of one of America’s favourite funny men?
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/john-belushi-biopic-revived-walter-649489
