TV producer-extraordinaire Greg Berlanti has lined up his next film project, and for its subject, he’s tackling one of the most famous and secretive subjects in Hollywood history.
Deadline is reporting that Universal has hired Berlanti to direct a film based on the life of actor Rock Hudson. The film will be inspired by the upcoming book “All That Heaven Allows: A Biography of Rock Hudson,” from author Mark Griffin.
For those not familiar with the life of actor Rock Hudson, he was considered a massive star that appeared in many romantic comedies in the 1950s and 1960s. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his work in the 1956 film “Giant,” but is probably best known for his films “All That Heaven Allows,” “Magnificent Obsession,” “Pillow Talk,” and “Send Me No Flowers,” among many more. In his later years, he found himself on TV, starring in the popular mystery series “McMillan and Wife,” as well as the soap opera, “Dynasty.”
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Hudson is also known as being one of the highest-profile gay actors that remained closeted during his career for fear of losing opportunities and ruining his reputation of being a heartthrob. He was diagnosed with HIV in 1984 but denied rumors that he had AIDS. In October 1985, he died of AIDS-related complications at the age of 59.
Greg Berlanti is probably best known for his work on the small screen, as the superstar producer of just about everything on the CW network, including “Riverdale” and the entire Arrowverse stable of shows. He’s also the producer of the DC Universe series “Doom Patrol” and “Stargirl.” Basically, he’s one of the elite TV producers working today, just going by how many shows sport his name in the credits. Earlier this year, however, Berlanti flexed his muscles as a director, with the film “Love, Simon,” which was a critical hit and modest box office success.
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There’s no release date for the Rock Hudson biopic, as its still in the early stages of development with Universal said to be searching for a writer.