Jason Clarke To Play Ted Kennedy In 'Chappaquiddick', John Curran To Direct

Given our fascination with scandals, especially of the political sort, it's a little amazing that someone hasn't made a feature film about the Chappquiddick incident that nearly destroyed beloved U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy. But that's about to change, and late last year we learned that Sam Taylor-Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey) was eyeing the director's chair for Chappaquiddick, a drama centered on the tragedy. However it looks like plans have changed because not only is a new director attached, but Jason Clarke has entered talks to play Kennedy.

Negotiations are underway for Clarke to play the late Ted Kennedy, with John Curran (The Painted Veil) on board to direct.  Written by Taylor Allen and Andrew Logan, Chappaquiddick centers on the tragic evening in 1969 when Kennedy was involved in a single-car accident that claimed the life of his assistant, Mary Jo Kopechne. Driving along a single lane bridge, and having downed a few drinks earlier in the night, Kennedy lost control of the car and veered into the icy waters below. He escaped, but waited 9 long hours before reporting the incident to police. Over the next few days Kennedy would struggle between following his moral compass and using his influence to protect himself and the family name.

Filming is expected to begin this summer. This will be Curran's first film since 2013's underrated walkabout drama, Tracks. Clarke had a disappointing 2015, appearing in Child 44, Terminator Genisys, and the mountain climbing thriller, Everest.