If you're speed-freaks, then I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that Ron Howard is in something described as ‘early talks' to direct project titled Rush, which is actually the Formula 1 biopic written by Peter Morgan.
Ok, one thing is for sure – Howard is definitely a busy guy these days. I mean, you already know he's currently attached to direct an adaptation of Stephen King's Dark Tower series, but it seems he's totally interested in Rush as well.
As Variety reports, the movie will center on Niki Lauda and his rivalry with English racer James Hunt.
In 1976, Lauda nearly died when his Ferrari swerved off the track in only the second lap of the German Grand Prix and crashed, causing him to lapse into a coma and lose his right ear – Hunt won the race.
Six weeks later, Lauda was back behind the wheel chasing Hunt at the Italian Grand Prix and followed him to the Canadian and U.S. Grand Prix as well. Hunt would finally earn enough points during 1976 to take the World Driver's Championship title away from Lauda.
At this moment it's too early to talk about the possible candidates for the cast list, but I'm sure we'll soon have some rumor.
On the other hand, we do know that Cross Creek Pictures has agreed to finance the whole thing, and that Imagine's Brian Grazer and Howard would likely produce alongside Cross Creek's Brian Oliver and Working Title's Eric Fellner.
If everything works out well, Rush will start shooting this year in Europe. As usual, we'll keep an eye on it. Stay tuned!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWksORxA9l0[/youtube]
Niki Lauda
