For years, Hollywood has been trying to get a newJohn Belushibiopic off the ground. At one point, the project was set up at Warner Bros. withTodd Phillipsproducing and directing from a script bySteve Conrad(Wonder). A few years later, the film’s producers decided to makeBelushias an indie movie, with Conrad directing himself. That was back in October 2013, but since that announcement, there hasn’t been much movement – until now.
Collider has exclusively learned thatDavid Frankel(The Devil Wears Prada) has come on to direct the film, which now has Broadway sensationAlex Brightmanattached to play Belushi, the larger-than-life star ofSaturday Night Livewho went on to memorable roles inNational Lampoon’s Animal HouseandThe Blues Brothers.
Alexandra Milchan(The Wolf of Wall Street)andScott Lambert(The Terror) are producingBelushivia their Emjag Productions banner along with legendary casting directorBonnie Timmermann.Michael Chiklispreviously played Belushi in a 1989 adaptation of theBob WoodwardbookWired, which reportedly was boycotted by Belushi’s friends and family. This project, however, boasts the involvement of Belushi’s widow,Judith Belushi Pisano, who is expected to serve as an executive producer. In aHollywood Reporterstory from back in 2013, Belushi’sSNLpalDan Aykroydwas reportedly on board as an executive producer as well, though it’s unclear whether he’s involved in the current incarnation of the project.
Belushi was a comic force who famously died at the age of 33 from a drug overdose at the Chateau Marmont in 1982. The film is expected to follow Belushi at the height of his fame, and tell the story of a man who embodied both the glory and the tragedy of the American dream.
At one point, Conrad was consideringEmile Hirsch,Adam Devineand Phillips' futureJokerstarJoaquin Phoenixto play Belushi in an earlier incarnation of the project.Miles TellerandNelson Franklinhad been eyed to play Aykroyd, whileEllen Pagewas the top choice to play Belushi’s girlfriend-turned-wife, who was then known as Judy Jacklin. This time around,Annaleigh Ashfordis being eyed to play Jacklin (whose family is a big part of the script), whileJohn Mulaneyhas been offered the role of Aykroyd, though neither is confirmed to be involved withBelushiat this time.
Sources say the script also features nearly a dozen celebrities as characters, such asSNLbossLorne Michaels, Belushi’s fellow cast memberGilda Radner, andSNLwritersAl FrankenandTom Davis, as well as broadcast journalistBarbara Walters,Jack Nicholson, who directed Belushi in 1978’s western-comedyGoin' South, and musiciansKeith Richards,James TaylorandPaul Simon, the latter of whom was John’s neighbor on Martha’s Vineyard and performed at his funeral.
Brightman is a two-time Tony nominee who earned nominations for his starring turns inSchool of RockandBeetlejuice. His additional Broadway credits includeWicked,Big Fish, andMatilda the Musical. He has guest starred on TV shows such asThe Good FightandSMILF,and he was recently cast alongsideBilly CrystalandTiffany Haddishin the indie comedyHere Today. He’s represented by UTA, Brookside Artist Management and Stewart Talent.
Frankel directed mainstream hits likeThe Devil Wears PradaandMarley & Me, as well as theMeryl Streep-Tommy Lee JonesmovieHope Springs. He’s coming off theWill SmithdramaCollateral Beauty, so the Belushi biopic is a return of sorts to his comedic wheelhouse. He’s repped by WME and Anonymous Content. Frankel recently signed on to direct and executive produce two episodes of theShonda Rhimes-produced Netflix seriesInventing Anna, which will starJulia Garneras New York con artistAnna Delvey. you’re able to read more about that project byclicking here.
