It seems the Lindbergh baby case is going to play a pivotal part in Clint Eastwood’s biopic of FBI founder J. Edgar Hoover (Leo DiCaprio), as a few weeks ago Damon Herriman was cast as kidnapper Bruno Hauptman and now Deadline reports that Josh Lucas has landed the role of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh himself.
One of the most famous men in the world following his airplane feats, Lindbergh’s baby son was kidnapped on March 1st, 1932, and while a ransom was demanded and paid, the child wasn’t returned and his body was found a month later. It took over two years until Hauptmann was caught. Hoover’s association with the case in the film is likely to be due to his launching a federal inquiry into allegations of police tampering, intimidation and dodgy dealing, all of which happened around the time Hoover was solidifying the FBI and taking the reins of power (which also meant he was somewhat in charge of the invesitgation).
It’s all rather intriguing, with the film seemingly taking in an array of ideas and topics surrounding Hoover, from his days as an anti-gang enforcer and setting up the FBI, to his alleged gay romance with Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer) and his later years as one of the most feared and divisive figures in America. It’s not exactly clear when J. Edgar will shoot, but let’s hope it’s soon as it definitely sound like it’ll be worth a look.