At this point, it feels like the long-promised Steve Jobs biopic based on Walter Isaacson’s bestselling biography may never actually happen. After months in limbo, enduring a revolving door of attached talent, Sony finally dropped the film earlier this month. Universal picked it up, however, so it looks like things are back on track.
And today, there’s news that a big name might already be attached.
Deadline is reporting that Natalie Portman is in talks to join the film – as a yet unspecified “major role”.
If you’re wondering what’s been going on with the movie for the past year or so, 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.
After all that, Sony Pictures dropped the film and a few days later, Universal picked it up for somewhere around $30 million.
Now, in the hands of Universal, we have Natalie Portman being tossed around. As to who’s going to play the title role, well, that’s still up in the air. Michael Fassbender is the current pick – though that’s yet to be confirmed. As far as the other Apple co-founder goes, Steve Wozniak might very well be given to Seth Rogen.
Image via Wikimedia Commons
