Robinson's story has been depicted on screen before, most notably when Robinson played himself in "The Jackie Robinson Story." But like "The Court Martial of Jackie Robinson," this new film will focus on a certain aspect of the ballplayer's life, rather than attempt to span his entire life.
As Redford explained to the L.A. Times, the story will center on the relationship between Rickey and Robinson.
"No one really knows the Rickey part, the political maneuvers and the partnership they had to share," Redford said. "It's the story underneath the story you thought you knew."
As someone who developed such innovations in baseball as the modern farm system and full-time spring training facilities, and advocated equipment like pitching machines and batting helmets, Rickey probably deserves his own film. But Jimmy Breslin's biography of Rickey probably covers his legacy much more thoroughly.
Redford was also once attached to play Rickey in an ESPN biopic about Robinson that explored similar territory. Clearly, this is something he's wanted to do for some time. Brian Helgeland's film will be similar to the 2008 project, but he is reportedly writing an all-new script for his film.
The film will be written and directed by�Helgeland, perhaps best known for writing the Academy Award nominated screenplays for "L.A. Confidential" and "Mystic River." He won the Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar in 1998. Helgeland has also directed five films. Here's a link to his IMDB page.
Spike Lee is another filmmaker who wanted to tell Robinson's story on screen. Back in 1994, he even won the blessing of Robinson's wife, Rachel, for his project. Despite that, and Denzel Washington being attached to the role, Lee was never able to get the necessary financing for his film.
Robinson's part has yet to be cast in the new film. Perhaps the BLS readership has some suggestions to offer in the comments?
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