James Mangold to direct Buster Keaton biopic

The story of cinema’s great stone face, Buster Keaton, will soon be brought to the big screen. According to Deadline, James Mangold is developing a Buster Keaton biopic with 20th Century Studios.

Based upon Buster Keaton: Cut to the Chase by Marion Meade, the project is said to be a top priority for the studio. James Mangold will direct and produce the Buster Keaton movie and will soon be meeting with writers to pen the screenplay. Keaton was one of the biggest actors and directors of the silent movie era and his physical comedy and stunt-work are still incredibly impressive even a hundred years later. After a series of two-reel comedies, Buster Keaton moved to feature-length films such as Sherlock Jr., The Cameraman, and The General, with the latter being regarded as his masterpiece. James Mangold is in the midst of wrapping up production on Indiana Jones 5 and is looking to make the Buster Keaton movie his next project.

Speaking of Indiana Jones 5, the long-delayed sequel is almost done shooting but we’ve still got a ways to go before we get to see Harrison Ford wielding the whip and wearing the jacket and fedora on the big-screen. In addition to Harrison Ford, the film will stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Kretschmann, Boyd Holbrook, Toby Jones, Antonio Banderas, and Shaunette Renée Wilson. Steven Spielberg was originally expected to return to direct the film, he wound up stepping down, saying that he wanted to “pass along Indy’s whip to a new generation to bring their perspective to the story.” James Mangold stepped in to replace him and also co-wrote the script along with Jez and John-Henry Butterworth. Indiana Jones 5 is slated to hit theaters on June 30, 2023.