Eric Bana to Write, Co-Direct, and Star in Film About Motorcycle Legend Mike “The Bike” Hailwood

Eric Bana has acquired the rights to the life story of motorcycle legend Mike “The Bike” Hailwood, who was once considered the greatest motorcycle racer of all time. Bana will write the script, co-direct the film with Robert Connolly, and also star in it.

The film will tell the spectacular comeback story of Hailwood. He retired from racing bikes at his career peak in 1967 after 12 victories at the Isle of Man TT. He years later in 1978, he came out of retirement to take back his crown with a Ducati.

“Hailwood revived his career by returning to a race that is considered the most dangerous motorsports event in the world, with 151 fatalities since its inception in 1907. The high-speed race is run on public roads on the British island. Hailwood, who once interrupted his own race to pull a burning competitor out of his blazing Formula One race car and save his life, would himself die tragically at age 40 along with his daughter after a truck crashed into their vehicle as they headed to a restaurant.”

I love incredible true stories like this, and this is seriously gonna make one hell of a good film. Bana is going to be great in the role! I’ve always enjoyed Bana’s work and think he’s an underrated actor who isn’t used enough in Hollywood.

Hailwood’s widow, Pauline Hailwood, and their son David said in a statement:

“We are absolutely thrilled that Eric Bana and Robert Connolly have taken Mike’s story to adapt into a feature film about his historic ‘comeback’ race win. We are delighted that Mike will be depicted by Eric Bana, an actor with an immense passion and knowledge of motorsports, Mike’s career, and a rider himself.”

Connolly recently directed Bana in the upcoming film The Dry, which is adapted from the worldwide bestseller by Jane Harper. The two obviously enjoy working together, and I’m looking forward to seeing how this Mike “The Bike” Hailwood movie turns out.

Source: Deadline