Recently, we were excited by the first look for director Cary Fukunaga’s upcoming Netflix series “Maniac,” and we wondered what was next for the filmmaker. Well, now we know, and the project is shaping up to be something special.
Fukunaga is teaming up with actor Jake Gyllenhaal for a film titled “The American.” Gyllenhaal, who is also producing, will star as the famed musical legend, and “West Side Story” composer, Leonard Bernstein in a story based on the biography by author Humphrey Burton. Michael Mitnick has written the script. The film will follow Bernstein’s life as he rises to fame and deals with all the requisite professional and personal issues that go along with that notoriety.
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“Like many people, Leonard Bernstein found his way into my life and heart through ‘West Side Story’ when I was a kid,” said Gyllenhaal. “But as I got older and started to learn about the scope of his work, I began to understand the extent of his unparalleled contribution and the debt of gratitude modern American culture owes him. As a man, Bernstein was a fascinating figure—full of genius and contradiction—and it will be an incredible honor to tell his story with a talent and friend like Cary.”
“Bernstein’s artistic passions changed the way generations understood and appreciated music. It’s been wonderful collaborating with Michael and Jake on Bernstein’s story as we endeavor to capture both the iconic person and artist. Jake is the perfect partner to help bring this story to life and to play this legend,” said Fukunaga.
If the idea of a Leonard Bernstein biopic sounds familiar, it should. Recently, we reported that filmmaker Steven Spielberg was floating the idea of perhaps directing a Bernstein biopic after it was reported that he gathered actors for a script read. The director is currently planning on doing a remake of “West Side Story.”
No word yet on when “The American” will go into production, but the Gyllenhaal and Fukunaga collaboration will be a project to keep your eyes on.