James Mangold is currently busy finishing Indiana Jones 5, having taken over that job from Steven Spielberg. No easy shoes to fill. But now we know that when Mangold is done he won’t be jumping into another massive franchise pic, but instead a biopic on legendary actor, filmmaker, and master of physical comedy and action, Buster Keaton.
Deadline has the news on Mangold directing a Buster Keaton biopic for 20th Century Studios, centering on the Hollywood icon who flourished in the 1920s as a director and star given to crazy daredevil stunts. His 1926 silent film The General is considered by most to be a masterpiece and they are correct. The film will be based on the book Buster Keaton: Cut To The Chase by Marion Meade.
So who will they get to play Keaton? This could be the role of a lifetime for right actor. If Tom Cruise were younger he’d have been great.
Mangold also has an adaptation of Don Winslow’s The Force coming up, with Matt Damon attached to star. It’s unclear where that fits in his schedule.