James Mangold is reportedly making a biopic based on the life of the Hollywood icon Buster Keaton. Mangold’s films include the action-western 3:10 To Yuma, which led to him being selected to take over the X-Men spinoff The Wolverine in 2013. The underrated franchise entry was eventually followed up by Mangold’s critically acclaimed and Oscar-nominated Logan in 2017. That film, which bent the comic book genre into a gritty character study, was followed by Mangold’s 2019 historical drama and Best Picture nominee Ford v Ferrari.
Now, according to Deadline, Mangold will helm a biopic about Keaton for the Disney-owned 20th Century Studios. The film will follow the famous filmmaker and star who became iconic for his elaborate stunt-filled comedies that often defied belief and pushed the limits of safety. Keaton’s films included The General and Sherlock Jr. Little else is known about the new project but it is said to be based on the biographical book Buster Keaton: Cut to the Chase by Marion Meade.
Mangold’s experience with historical biopics stretches back to his Johnny Cash film Walk the Line, which starred Joaquin Phoenix. Phoenix’s performance in the personal story earned him a Best Actor nomination, while his co-star Reese Witherspoon won her first Oscar for the film. Mangold is currently busy working on another huge franchise for Disney - the Indiana Jones 5 starring Harrison Ford. The film is reportedly close to the end of its production, which will supposedly free up the director to begin work on his new historical drama based on Buster Keaton.
Source: Deadline
