George Clooney to Direct an Adaptation of John Grisham’s Baseball Novel CALICO JOE
George Clooney is attached to direct an adaptation of John Grisham’s baseball-themed novel Calico Joe. I’m not a fan of watching the sport baseball, but for some reason, I love baseball movies. I love the stories that they tell, and Calico Joe sounds like it’s going to be a solid flick!
The 2012 novel tells the story about “a pitch thrown in 1973 that ends the career of a fictional promising player, sending him into a coma for three decades. The story was inspired by the real-life tragedy of Ray Chapman, a major league player killed by a pitch in 1920, along with Grisham’s personal baseball experience as a teenager when he developed a strong dislike of aggressive pitchers.”
Clooney is developing the film with screenwriter Grant Heslov (The Men Who Stare at Goats), and they say in a joint statement, “John has written a beautiful story and the chance to collaborate with Bob to bring it to the screen is just fantastic.”
Producer Bob Dylan added, “George and Grant see in this book what I see in it – a powerful story that will resonate with young and old alike. People in all walks of life will be able relate to it.”
Producers Ara Keshishian and Petr Jakl then said, “In this climate, with the ever-evolving distribution landscape and different ways to reach audiences, we feel this is the perfect time to focus on development with the best storytellers. Smokehouse’s track record speaks for itself and we look forward to working with them and the legendary Bob Dylan to bring this story to life.”
Source: Variety