For years, Hollywood royalty Warren Beatty has been trying to put together a biopic on Howard Hughes and not having much in the way of good luck. At one point the film looked to be coming together with Beatty writing, directing, and starring as the reclusive billionaire, but as he struggled to secure financing the project vanished into limbo. A few days ago, word started to leak that it may be back on, and now we know it's actually begun shooting. That sneaky Beatty!
Deadline reports that the film is now underway, with Alden Ehrenreich (Beautiful Creatures) and Lily Collins (Mirror Mirror) coming aboard to star. Collins replaces Felicity Jones, who was attached some time ago. Beatty's wife Annette Bening and Matthew Broderick are expected to appear, and there's some hope that Jack Nicholson can be lured in for a role.
The story doesn't seem to have a lot to do with Hughes, though. Instead, it focuses on Hughes' assistant (Ehrenreich) and his love interest, played by Collins. In the past we've also heard the plot could unfold mostly in flashback as Hughes recounts the love affair he had with a younger woman, presumably Collins' character. So we could be looking at a love triangle here, which would instantly set it apart from 2004's The Aviator.
Brett Ratner (!!!) is producing, along with New Regency who picked up the film a couple of years back. Beatty has already shot some footage but there's no word on when this is expected to be completed or hit theaters. Chances are Beatty will be keeping it close to the vest.
