Robert Redford to star as Brooklyn Dodger executive Branch Rickey in a new biopic
Branch Rickey was the man who signed Jackie Robinson to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945, breaking the color barrier as the first African-American player in Major League Baseball. The movie will focus more on the complex relationship between Branch Rickey and Jackie Robinson, than the historical signing. It is believed by some that Branch Rickey integrated baseball more for economic reasons, while Jackie Robinson faced an onslaught of prejudice after becoming a Dodger. While Robert Redford will play Branch Rickey, the Jackie Robinson has not been cast yet. Here's what Robert Redford had to say about the project.
"No one really knows the Rickey part, the political maneuvers and the partnership they had to share. It's the story underneath the story you thought you knew."
Brian Helgeland (L.A. Confidential, Mystic River) will write and direct this untitled drama, with Thomas Tull's Legendary Pictures financing the project. The company has a first-look deal with Warner Bros., so it is likely the movie will end up there. No production schedule was revealed.
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skywise
@ejk1 You know i didnt even think about that but that is a brilliant point sir!
1 year agoby @skywiseFlag
David-Dvd-1988
@diaigma now you've got me thinking of the spoof of it from the simpsons
1 year agoby @david-dvd-1988Flag
Diaigma
I can see him doing a baseball pic. He'd be a "Natural!" :D
1 year agoby @diaigmaFlag
ejk1
@skywise @cripple It figures that Redford would do this movie. I hope they get Costner to play Leo Durocher. That way, the two men from the iconic baseball films of the 80's (The Natural, Bull Durham, and of course Field of Dreams) can take part in what should be a great film.
1 year agoby @ejk1Flag
skywise
@ejk1 agreed! And with Redfords outstanding achievments, this story really couldnt be in better hands.
1 year agoby @skywiseFlag
Cripple
Very nice. @ejk1, I remember watching that, can't wait for more on this.
1 year agoby @crippleFlag
ejk1
Anyone that saw the Sixth Inning of Ken Burns' Baseball Doc*mentary knows this story. It is definitely worth a movie, and Redford's involvement has me anticipating this project greatly.
1 year agoby @ejk1Flag