Arriba, arriba! Roberto Clemente’s story is coming to a big screen near us — and the rest of the world.
Legendary, which tackled the Jackie Robinson story in the well-received film “42,” plans a biopic of The Great One, The Hollywood Reporter says. The company has picked up the rights to David Maraniss’ book, “Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball’s Last Hero,” and entered into an agreement with Mr. Clemente’s family, the trade publication said in an exclusive announcement.
No word yet on who might portray the Pirates superstar right-fielder who died in a plane crash en route to Nicaragua to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in 1972. His baseball homes, Forbes Field and Three Rivers Stadium, are both gone although the Oakland ballpark was resurrected for “42” thanks to some movie magic.
The trade publication reports that Ben Silverman and Jay Weisleder are producing via their Fuego Films banner along with Legendary. Giselle Fernandez and Sandra Condito will be executive producers.
Thomas Tull, chairman and CEO of Legendary Pictures, is part of the Pittsburgh Steelers ownership group and considers Pittsburgh his second home and favorite city.
A native of Binghamton, N.Y., now living in LA, Mr. Tull bought Bill Mazeroski’s jersey and the bat used to hit the Game 7 home run in the 1960s World Series, produced “42” and previewed it in Pittsburgh at a showing attracting Chadwick Boseman and Harrison Ford. They played Jackie Robinson and Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey.
Legendary is a leading media company with film, television and digital, and comics divisions.
Movie editor Barbara Vancheri: bvancheri@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1632. Read her blog: www.post-gazette.com/madaboutmovies.
First Published: June 3, 2015, 11:52 p.m.