I can’t deny that I actually laughed out loud upon reading that Ashton Kutcher was set to play Steve Jobs in the upcoming biopic, currently titled Jobs: Get Inspired. But, alas, the Two and a Half Men star will portray the iconic Apple CEO for director Joshua Michael Stern, which will also be battling Sony’s similar project; Aaron Sorkin is in contention to write that screenplay.
All opinions aside (for now), first-time producer Mark Hulme shed some light on the Kutcher-led project, revealing the film’s focus, what drew them to Kutcher, and what other Apple-related employees will be featured. Hulme spoke with Neowin (via /Film), saying the project will span from 1970 to 2000, covering the founding of Apple as well as its “up and down years.” Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak former CEOs John Scully & Mike Markkula, and early Apple employee Daniel Kottke will all be appearing in the indie picture.
Hulme also discussed Sony’s aforementioned film, which is based on Walter Isaacson’s bestseller Steve Jobs, stating that their project will draw from “a wealth of source material” and “the support of primary sources who knew him personally.” Apparently, Hulme isn’t at all concerned with the competing project, stating that their “project was in development even before the release of Isaacson’s book and our movie will be out well before their movie.” Frankly, I’d be a little scared of their project, based wholly on the man power and Oscars Sorkin can generate alone.
In relation to hiring Kutcher to play Jobs, he explained:
“Since our film covers the early years of Apple, when Jobs was in his 20′s, we needed an actor who could carry not only the youthfulness of Jobs at the time but also the psychological complexity. Because of that, and Ashton’s physical similarities to Jobs, he’s perfect for our film. (…) When Ashton read the script he was immediately attracted to the project. He is a Steve Jobs and Apple fan, and is technologically savvy, as well, so he recognized the historical importance of Steve Jobs and the potential of the project. He is very excited to have the role.”
Although Hulme stands behind his choice, you can’t really base his ability to play the icon because he’s a “Steve Jobs and Apple fan.” I will give Kutcher the fact that he does resemble Jobs from the early days, but I really can’t wrap my head around this one. Shooting for Jobs: Get Inspired is set to start this May in L.A. and should be released sometime later this year.
Do any of the topics Hulme discussed change your feelings about Jobs: Get Inspired?