Harrison Ford may Play Branch Rickey in Jackie Robinson Film 42

According to Deadline Legendary Pictures is wanting to cast Harrison Ford in their upcoming Jackie Robinson movie called 42. If everything goes as planned he will take on the role of Branch Rickey, "the Brooklyn Dodgers executive who was in his mid-sixties when, in 1945, he signed Robinson to a contract with the Dodgers’ minor league affiliate, the Montreal Royals. After Robinson led the league in both batting and fielding percentages that season, it was Rickey who — six days before the start of the 1947 season — called Robinson up to the Dodgers."

This is a role that Jack Nicholson was previously offered, and even Robert Redford was mentioned at one point, but I guess that didn't work out. I honestly think Ford is better suited for the part anyway. Brian Helgeland (La Confidential, Mystic River) wrote and is attached to direct the film that will pay tribute to the legacy and impact Robinson made when he became the first African American Major League Baseball player. Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson, will be collaborating with the production team to ensure the authenticity of the famed player’s story.

I am a sucker for history movies, and I think the story of Jackie Robinson is a great story worth telling on the big screen. What are your thought's on Ford possibly being cast in this movie? Ford is also wanted for Ender's Game, which in another film I hope he takes on. 

Here are some previously reported details about the project:

Legendary will collaborate with Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson, to ensure the authenticity of the famed player’s story. Brian Helgeland (LA CONFIDENTIAL / MYSTIC RIVER) will write and direct, with Legendary’s Chairman and CEO, Thomas Tull, producing, and Legendary’s Chief Creative Officer, Jon Jashni, serving as executive producer. Dick Cook, former Chairman ofWalt Disney Studios, will also serve as an executive producer.  The project will fall under Legendary’s overall agreement withWarner Bros.

“We are deeply honored and grateful to be able to bring the Jackie Robinson story to audiences around the world,” said Tull. “The legacy he left on history, society and the sport of baseball is one that will never be forgotten, and we are pleased to tell this amazing story of a true American hero.”

“My family and I are thrilled to have this important film on Jack produced by Legendary Pictures. We are proud of his lasting impact on our society, and we know that the legacy he left is inspiring and worth preserving,” said Rachel Robinson.

“There are few opportunities that come along as a filmmaker that allow the opportunity to share a true story with your audience, let alone one as powerful and inspiring as that of Jackie Robinson’s,” stated Helgeland. “I believe that with the support ofRachel Robinson we have a unique opportunity to bring one of the most famed stories in American culture and baseball to the screen.”

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