Michael Mann is known for the deep, meticulous research he does for every one of his movies, which probably makes him all the more persistent in getting them made. It was well over a year ago when “Enzo Ferrari” fell apart, after Christian Bale exited the movie, citing health concerns over the weight gain needed to play the title role (to be fair, he’s gone under so much transformation for roles over the years, his body is probably a bit more fragile as he gets older). Well, the project is back on track, with Mann finding another actor willing to pudge out.
Hugh Jackman will now get behind the wheel of the newly titled “Ferrari,” with Noomi Rapace still attached to co-star. Based on Brock Yates’s book, “Enzo Ferrari: The Man, the Cars, the Races,” with a script by Mann, the film tells the story of the founder of one of the world’s most famous car brands, and his battle against Maserati for world prestige. Sounds cool, and Jackman will probably be more than happy to gorge on Twinkies after spending 17 years watching his waistline to play Wolverine.
However, don’t get too excited as this movie is still a long, long way off. Filming isn’t expected to start until summer 2018, and considering Mann takes his time with everything, this is looking like a 2019 release. But for a project that has been in development nearly as long as Jackman has played the X-Men hero, a couple more years is nothing. [Deadline]