Hell Yes: Steve McQueen Biopic In Development

Posted by Dr. Cole Abaius (cole.abaius@filmschoolrejects.com) on January 14, 2009

Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Bad Ass

There’s a moment in The Great Escape where you realize that Steve McQueen has been chosen for the role not just because of his sly devil-may-give-a-shit attitude, but also because the man represents America in the purest way possible. While the Brits are planning every detail and painstakingly digging a tunnel, McQueen is playing catch with himself in solitary until the moment comes to get out, escape through the tunnel, and steal a motorcycle with the greatest of ease.

Steve McQueen is the American Spirit.

I’m stoked to report that a pair of producers – Michael Cerenzie and Christine Peters – will be bringing a McQueen biopic to the screen via Marshall Terrill’s biography “Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel.” I’d personally love for the film version to be called Portrait of an American Bad Ass, but I’ll take what I can get.

According to Variety, the project will focus on McQueen’s acting career, his tumultuous marriages, and his passion for booze and motorcycles. Now, the big question is: who the hell can play Steve McQueen?

My vote is to steal some of McQueen’s DNA, create a clone, and film the movie over that clone’s life span. It may seem extreme, but I see no other option in doing the actor justice as no other human being will be able to capture his essence no matter how many times they watch The Tao of Steve.

Which I plan on doing right now.

What do you think? Excited to see McQueen brought to life on the big screen?


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  • I really don't see the point in this. The only biopics that are interesting are usually about political and/or social figures, like Malcolm X, Che, Gandhi, JFK, etc... but Steve McQueen was an actor (I don't mean that in a bad way) .

    I really don't see why they're making a movie about an actor...there's no point... sorry.
  • It also sounds like a TV Movie of the week. I just had to go there.
  • Getting the right person to play McQueen is going to be tough. I can't think of anyone that would do him justice.
  • Brian Rodden
    Daniel Craig is pretty much perfect for the role, but if he's busy I bet they're going to give it to, dare I say it, Colin Farrell!? I don't like it either, but I bet that's the way it's going to go.
  • I will kill them all if they do that. Farrell thinks he is McQueen but that doesn't mean he has the ability.
  • Antony
    Maybe they could get a black child to play McQueen when he was younger. And a homely-looking woman to play him middle-aged.
  • Joey
    Daniel Craig and Mcqueen look just like eachother. And Mcqueen's late wife wants Craig to play him. I hope that's the case. I love McQueen. Bullit, Pappilon and The Great Escape are three of my all time Favorites.
  • Lynx
    Oh no!!!! There is no one good enough to play McQueen, which is the same reason why a film such as Bullitt should NEVER be remade. If people want to know more about McQueen they should pick up a damn book instead of ruining his image by having some other actor forever attached to him hereafter ( Hello, James Dean/Franco).
    Nothing is sacred these days! thanks again hollywood
  • dave
    Funny how this news came out now. I just bought "The Great Escape" on DVD and was going to rewatch it soon, as I love that movie. Fate? I think so!
  • Travis Fimmel might have that special badass something , at least based on his debut tonight in The Beast. He's got a lot of presence enough devil to make him someone to watch.
    A long time ago, the very young Brad Pitt from Thelma and Louise might've had a shot. In those days, you couldn't take your eyes off Pitt. And you couldn't take your eyes off Steve McQueen ever. I love Colin Farrell but he hasn't got that same danger about him that McQueen had.
    When the Thomas Crown Affair was remade, it was embarrassing to see Brosnan in the role, whereas the original was fabulous thanks to McQueen (and Dunaway).
    Chad McQueen could not do it.
    There was only one McQueen. Anybody wants to know about him, see his movies or, like Lynx says, read his bios -- there are several.
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