It has been a few years since Clint Eastwood last found himself in front of the camera, but it looks like he hasn't come close to retirement yet. In fact, as he gets older, he has found ways to evolve and take on new roles that reflect his seasoned persona. That's precisely what's on the agenda for Eastwood's next potential project, The Mule, as it sounds like he could sign on to portray a real-life, 90-year-old drug smuggler.
According to this report, it seems that Clint Eastwood is currently in talks to direct and produce The Mule, as well as take on the film's lead role. The Mule is based on the exploits of Leo Sharp, a World War II veteran who moonlighted as a drug runner for a Mexican cartel. Sharp was arrested for hauling $3 million worth of cocaine in his pickup truck, subsequently getting a relatively lenient (given how much cocaine he was transporting) three-year sentence by pleading dementia as a defense. If Eastwood opts to take the job, The Mule is expected to become the next film on his to-do list.
You can check out a news story about the real Leo Sharp below.
This project is not the first time that a version of Leo Sharp's tale has been presented as a possible silver screen story. In fact, Venom director Ruben Fleischer had at one point taken a pass at a screenplay based on Sharp's exploits. However, the project ultimately ended up on a shelf, and The Tracking Board reports that The Mule will use a new script penned by Gran Torino writer Nick Schenk and rewritten by Dave Holstein.
If Clint Eastwood does sign on to portray Leo Sharp in The Mule, it will mark his first credited acting role since his performance in 2012's Trouble with the Curve. He also appeared in American Sniper, but in an uncredited cameo during a church scene. He has remained far more active behind the camera in recent years, helming films like Jersey Boys and Sully, as well as Warner Bros. upcoming true story thriller, The 15:17 to Paris.
CinemaBlend will keep you posted with more updates related to The Mule and Clint Eastwood's potential involvement in the film as more information becomes available to us. Until then, make sure to catch The 15:17 to Paris when it premieres on February 9, and take a look at our movie premiere guide to see what other films are set to hit the big screen in 2018.
