Alex Pettyfer is moving up in the world. The star of the upcoming I Am Number Four and Beastly seems to have moved from the ranks of actors who have to fight for every role, to having projects specifically designed around him. DreamWorks has acquired the rights to Tom Rubython’s novel Shunt: The Story of James Hunt, which is being set up as a project for Pettyfer. According to Deadline, the studio is currently seeking writers for this biopic.
The story follows James Hunt, the British racecar driver who took first place in the 1976 Formula One World Championships. DreamWorks, the studio behind Pettyfer’s upcoming sci-fi high school thriller I Am Number Four, nabbed the young star to showcase Hunt’s charm and charisma, which turned the world onto the sport of car racing. Many credit him with giving the sport the air of charm and glamour that’s been massively built of since, becoming as famous for his off track activities as on. For example he used to dine with his dog at top restaurants, as well as being known for women, alcohol and drugs, evetually fighting off depression and alcoholism.
So yep, it is a pretty typical sports biopic, but might be kind of fun. It also shows that with Dreamworks building the pic round Pettyfer, they think he may be a major star, and they’re already working on making him their star.