If you were attempting to make a biopic of media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s life, where would you begin? Would you focus on the pioneer’s early days? His ascension through the communication ranks? His massive acquisitions? Or the high-profile scandal that rocked Murdoch’s empire and brought an end to his infamous News of the World?
Needless to say, there’s a ton of compelling material to comb over, and that will be a task handed to U.K. production company What’s It All About? now that they’ve acquired the rights to tell Murdoch’s life story on film. Harold Evans’ biography, Good Times, Bad Times, will be used as the blueprint for the Murdoch pic, according to Variety. Evans was editor of Murdoch’s The Sunday Times from 1967 to 1981. He’s currently married to magazine editor-in-chief Tina Brown.
The trade confirms that the planned Murdoch biopic will include the phone-hacking scandal to besmirched the News’ reputation and led to the longstanding outlet to fold. It’s being rumored that there also will be a part for British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the feature. Perhaps Meryl Streep can reprise her role and win a fourth Oscar?
The appeal of a Murdoch biopic extends to a global market, so this is a calculated move on All About’s part. Casting could make or break the production, as producers will have to find compelling actors to play both Murdoch and Evans. But this could be a juicy, behind-the-media tell-all, if handled properly. If all goes well, it will go into production by the end of 2012, and in theaters by 2013.
