The Steve Jobs movie has life, as Universal Pictures has decided to pick up the recently-abandoned project.
Last week, Sony Pictures abruptly ditched the high-profile film. It appeared that the company had become a bit frustrated with the project, which had been sitting in limbo watching an acting/directing carousel spin – despite having a completed script since January. Rumor had it that Universal was looking to buy it, and it appears that is the case, confirms The Hollywood Reporter.
Here’s a brief explainer of the headaches surrounding the film:
The film was first announced in May of 2012, and soon after Sony hired Aaron Sorkin to pen the screenplay. He finished the script and submitted it in January of this year.
Since then, it’s been a talent carousel. David Fincher was first attached to the project (he and Sorkin had worked together on another film, The Social Network). It was reported that Fincher wanted Christian Bale for the lead role – and that it was pretty much a Bale or Bust ultimatum.
In April, Fincher exited the project amid reports that he was making “aggressive demands for compensation and control.”
On came director Danny Boyle and Leonardo DiCaprio became the next rumored Steve Jobs. Then he wasn’t. Then it was Christian Bale again. Then it was Christian Bale, confirmed.
Then it wasn’t.
At this point, Michael Fassbender is being eyed for the Jobs role. As far as the other Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Seth Rogen is apparently in talks.
Danny Boyle is still attached to direct, and THR says that it’s looking good for Michael Fassbender to play the late Apple co-founder.
The project reportedly sported a $30 million price tag.
Image via Wikimedia Commons