Christian Bale is in talks to play the Apple founder Steve Jobs in a new biopic set to start shooting next spring. It will be directed by Slumdog Millionaire‘s Danny Boyle.
The Dark Knight actor would replace Leonardo DiCaprio who recently announced he is to take a break from acting.
According to Variety, the film’s screenplay, based on Walter Isaccson’s book, ‘Steve Jobs: the Exclusive Biography’, is being written by Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network).
Sorkin’s script will be split into three extended scenes, each taking place in real time on the eve of a pivotal product launch. The writer of The West Wing has revealed his screenplay focuses on the launch of the first Mac in 1984; the NeXT computer Jobs created in 1990 after leaving Apple; and the iPod, which was launched in 2001. “It’s a little like writing about the Beatles,” he said. “There are so many people out there that know him and revere him.”
David Fincher (Gone Girl) was originally hired to direct the film. Bale was his original choice to play Jobs. The Apple founder was previously played on screen by Ashton Kutcher in Joshua Michael Stern’s 2013 film Jobs.
Bale will next appear on screen in Ridley Scott’s epic Exodus: Gods and Kings. The film features Bale as Moses, the Egyptian leader who defied his brother, the Pharaoh Ramses, played by Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom). It is released in cinemas December 26.