“L.A. Confidential” director Curtis Hanson is set to helm a biopic of late surfer Jay Moriarty with Sean Penn in talks to join the project.
The film is Hanson’s first effort since 2007’s “Lucky You” and will follow the adventures of Moriarty, an all around accomplished surfer, renowned for his abilities on the longboard and exploits with big waves.
The Santa Cruz native found his calling in the world of surfing at a young age and soon flourished with the guidance of local elder Hesson, the role Penn is being lined up to play. The former lifeguard trained Moriarity with a vigorous mental and physical program in preparation to surf Mavericks, a spot on the California coast where waves five stories tall would come in during the winter swells. Moriarty tragically passed away the day before his 23rd birthday in a free-diving accident in the Maldives.
It’s not known what aspects of Moriarty’s life the film will explore but Hanson’s greatest challenge likely lies in the surfing sequences and how to capture the true thrill and exhilaration of the sport.