Christian Bale has become the second high-profile Hollywood star to decide that the role of the late Apple technology guru Steve Jobs is not for him, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The Oscar-winning Welshman was revealed as producers’ first choice for the biopic last month when screenwriter Aaron Sorkin described him as “the best actor on the board in a certain age range” and hinted the signing was a done deal. But Bale now follows Leonardo DiCaprio in deciding to pass on the movie, which is being directed by Danny Boyle.
The latest departure adds to the sense of a revolving door phenomenon at Sony Pictures, which has been trying to put the film together for two years. Bale was previously first choice for the role of Jobs prior to Leonardo DiCaprio moving briefly into the hot seat. David Fincher was in line to direct prior to Boyle’s appointment but left in April following a reported dispute about his proposed $10m (£6.25m) paycheque.
Sorkin, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Sony’s The Social Network, has previously said he envisages a biopic comprised of just three scenes, shot in real time. Each snapshot of Jobs’s life would take place just before a vital product launch.
Sony intends to move the biopic into production this winter, but Boyle has not yet confirmed his cast, according to reports. Seth Rogen remains in discussions to play Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, but has not yet received an offer.
