Steve McQueen Returning to the Big Screen (Sort Of)
The action hero so tough, not even death can stop him!
He was nicknamed "The King of Cool" during his Hollywood career, and even more than 25 years after his death, Steve McQueen still has enough pull to rate a biopic. Variety is reporting that producer Kevin Kasha has purchased the film rights to My Husband, My Friend, the memoir written by McQueen's first wife, Neile McQueen Toffel, about their 16-year marriage.
Though he's mainly remembered today for his squinty tough-guy roles in such classic films as Bullitt and The Magnificent Seven, McQueen was a fascinating character behind the scenes, too -- he was, among other things, a rumored target of Charles Manson's; a pallbearer at Bruce Lee's funeral; a diehard political conservative who refused an opportunity to join the 1963 Civil Rights March; and, supposedly, the guy who got Chuck Norris to take acting classes.
McQueen even died interestingly, heading to Mexico after being diagnosed with liver cancer and undergoing various unorthodox treatments, including coffee enemas. Admittedly, we haven't read Toffel's book, so we have no idea how much or how little of McQueen's amazing off-screen life will make it into the project -- but what's really interesting at this point is the question of how in the world the filmmakers will go about casting the lead role. Seriously, who can play Steve McQueen?
Source: Variety
Though he's mainly remembered today for his squinty tough-guy roles in such classic films as Bullitt and The Magnificent Seven, McQueen was a fascinating character behind the scenes, too -- he was, among other things, a rumored target of Charles Manson's; a pallbearer at Bruce Lee's funeral; a diehard political conservative who refused an opportunity to join the 1963 Civil Rights March; and, supposedly, the guy who got Chuck Norris to take acting classes.
McQueen even died interestingly, heading to Mexico after being diagnosed with liver cancer and undergoing various unorthodox treatments, including coffee enemas. Admittedly, we haven't read Toffel's book, so we have no idea how much or how little of McQueen's amazing off-screen life will make it into the project -- but what's really interesting at this point is the question of how in the world the filmmakers will go about casting the lead role. Seriously, who can play Steve McQueen?
Source: Variety
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(1-20 of 31 posts) | Reply
 on Aug 22 2007 04:43 AM Damian Lewis, from Band of Brothers, should play McQeen! He looks just like him, more than any other ht Everyone I know said at the time of B.O.B, he looks like Steve Mcqeen, mainly because we couldnt remember his character name. Google the images and see for your selves. Just depends if he can pull off the US accent, sure he can, he is a good actor. (Reply to this) |
 on Aug 22 2007 04:43 AM Brad Pitt has both the look and 'cool' to play McQueen. I think he'd be the perfect choice. (Reply to this) |
 on Aug 22 2007 05:10 AM dracus- Brad Pitt is no actor. He is a celebrity. I wouldn't mention his name in the same sentence as Steve McQueen. (Reply to this) |
 on Aug 22 2007 05:50 AM actually... wouldn't it be fair to say Steve McQueen was just the Brad Pitt of his time?? They have a lot in common. (Reply to this) |
 on Aug 22 2007 05:55 AM Brad Pitt is actually a very good actor, but his celebrity tends to overshadow his work. Though McQueen was great, I'd have to say Pitt is actually the better actor. (Reply to this) |
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on Aug 22 2007 06:00 AM In reply to this comment (#1062798) I would hesitate to say Pitt is better, but you're right their are many similarities in their careers. McQueens personality often overwhelmed his acting ability. (Reply to this) |
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on Aug 22 2007 06:32 AM Pitt-A guy with a big acting ability with an even bigger celebrity profile. Mcqueen-A guy with a big acting ability with an even bigger celebrity profile. What's the problem? He would do a good job. (Reply to this) |
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on Aug 22 2007 06:35 AM Daniel Craig could do it. Pitt is a good actor but I dunno if I'd want to see him in this role. (Reply to this) |
 on Aug 22 2007 07:14 AM Daniel Craig could probably play steve. (Reply to this) |
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on Aug 22 2007 07:31 AM No one can play steve. He's F-ing Steve McQueen. (Reply to this) |
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on Aug 22 2007 07:45 AM You know you've gotta be tough to have a rep like his yet still have "Queen" in his last name. Them's some balls, son. Would now be a good time to do a McQueen CG double for this? Too soon? (Reply to this) |
 on Aug 22 2007 09:21 AM In reply to this comment (#1062609) I have to agree with Dracus on this one. Pitt is the perfect choice. He and McQueen are so much alike in looks, style and even when it comes to the media. And like McQueen Pitts s all man and sexy as hell which is a definite must for this role. As for you saying Pitt can't act that's nonsense. I think you really need to have a serious look at his films starting with Seven. (Reply to this) |
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on Aug 22 2007 09:35 AM Daniel Craig would be a great choice. He already looks like him, and he's got the acting skill to pull it off. (Reply to this) |
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on Aug 22 2007 09:37 AM I think that Brad Pitt is a natural choice to play Steve McQueen the same way Philip Seymour Hoffman was a natural to play Capote or Morgan Freeman is in his upcoming role as Nelson Mandela. Give Pitt the role of McQueen and you might as well give him an Academy Award nomination for the best actor at the same time. (Reply to this) |
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on Aug 22 2007 11:14 AM In reply to this comment (#1063394) I gotta go with Daniel Craig. (Reply to this) |
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on Aug 22 2007 11:15 AM would it be wrong of me to say Edward Norton as Steve McQueen (Reply to this) |
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on Aug 22 2007 12:11 PM Its never wrong to suggest Ed Norton. (Reply to this) |
 on Aug 22 2007 12:27 PM DANIEL CRAIG!!! is there really debate over this? Look at the likeness. (Reply to this) |
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on Aug 22 2007 12:27 PM Norton can pull off anything. But I think it should go to Daniel Craig. (Reply to this) |
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on Aug 22 2007 01:08 PM In reply to this comment (#1063608) Personally i think they should cast an unknown. if they cast brad pitt, through out the entire movie the audience will know that they are watching brad pitt play steve mcqueen. the same goes for edward nornton (who is my favorite actor) and daniel craig. they are all just to recognizable which i think will distract from the story. whereas if they cast an unknown, the audience can watch the story of steve mcqueens life without being distracted by the presence of a big name actor. (Reply to this) |
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