Early last week we learned that the list of actors being considered for the lead in the upcoming John Belushi biopic had been whittled down to just four names. Emile Hirsch, Adam Devine, Adam DeMamp (of Comedy Central’s Workaholics) and Joaquin Phoenix were reportedly the final performers whom director Steve Conrad and the producers were considering for the part - and today they've officially made their decision. Hirsch, who was most recently seen earlier this year starring alongside Paul Rudd in David Gordon Green's Prince Avalanche, has been cast to play the Animal House and Saturday Night Live star.
Based on a script written by Conrad, whose credits include The Pursuit of Happyness, The Weather Man and the upcoming The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, the biopic will tell the true story of how Belushi used his incredible comedic genius to become one of the biggest comedians in film and television, only to have it all ripped away by drugs and alcohol. The star died at the young age of 33 in Los Angeles, California due to an overdose of cocaine and heroin. Dan Aykroyd, who was one of Belushi's best friends and frequent collaborators, will be serving as executive producer on the project (and will very likely be a character in the story).
Taking on the role, of course, will be a sincere challenge for Hirsch - as it would be for any actor. Belushi was truly one of a kind performer with truly brilliant timing, and if Hirsch can really tap into it, it has the potential to be incredible. Relive some of Belushi's best moments in the clips below.
Production on the film is looking to start next spring in New York. Unless it can somehow come together incredibly quickly, we can likely expect the film to come out some time in 2015. Before he steps into Belushi's skin, Hirsch will next be seen playing legendary outlaw Clyde Barrow in the two part miniseries Bonnie & Clyde, which will simulcast over two straight nights in early December on The History Channel, A&E and Lifetime. In terms of features, the young actor will next be a part of the excellent ensemble that makes up Peter Berg's war film Lone Survivor, which will be getting a limited release on December 27th. Check out the trailer:
Production on the John Belushi biopic is looking to start next spring in New York. Unless it can somehow come together incredibly quickly, we can likely expect the film to come out some time in 2015.
