They didn't call Andre the Giant the "8th Wonder of the World" for nothing. The 7'4", 520lb. André René Roussimoff was one of professional wrestling's greatest performers, feuding with the likes of Hulk Hogan, Rowdy Roddy Piper, Ultimate Warrior, and more. He spent more than half of his tragically short life inside the squared circle, and now the story of Andre's life and career is about to be told in a new biopic.
Lion Forge Comics and Stone Village are partnering up on an Andre the Giant biopic. based on the authorized graphic novel Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven. Consulting on the film will be Andre's daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, and she's given the filmmakers exclusive rights to tell her father's story.
Born with in France in 1946, Andre suffered from gigantism due to an excessive growth hormone. The condition was terribly painful, and it was something he struggled with every single day. He began wrestling in 1963 and due to his size he became an instant sensation, traveling all over the world. Eventually he found his way to America where he rode the wave wrestling's popularity during the 1980s. Many will recognize him from his role as Fezzik in The Princess Bride.
So far there doesn't seem to be any word on a director or screenwriter for the film, and hopefully this doesn't fall into limbo like so many other wrestling-related projects have. The biggest hurdle will probably be finding someone who could believably pass for Andre. Who could they get? Big Show?
