Joe Namath is the hero of the New York Jets franchise, as the only quarterback to lead the team to a Super Bowl win. His story seems tailor made for a film, especially since he earned the nickname ‘Broadway Joe,’ so it’s about time that Hollywood gets to work. The Wolverine director James Mangold is in talks to helm the project.
The news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter, which confirmed that Mangold was in talks with Fox 2000 to make the movie. Fox 2000 also produced Mangold’s acclaimed Johnny Cash biopic Walk The Line. The project would also be written by his 3:10 To Yuma writers, Michael Brandt and Derek Haas. Andrew Lazar and Tree Line Films’ Cathy Konrad are producing.
Namath, now 70, was the face of the Jets in the 1960s and 1970s, leading the team to victory in Super Bowl III and establishing the AFL as a legitimate threat to the NFL before the two leagues officially merged. He was also named the MVP of the game. He remains a charismatic figure, famous for wearing fur coats and having embarrassing TV moments.
As for Mangold, the Namath project could be completed before he does Fox’s The Wolverine sequel, which he’s already signed to do. Back in March, it was reported that he was in talks for The Deep Blue Good-by, but that’s been delayed since Leonardo DiCaprio left.
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