James Mangold in early talks to direct Joe Namath biopic for Fox

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

THR has learned James Mangold is in early negotiations to helm a biopic about former NFL quarterback and 60s cultural icon Joe Namath for Fox 2000. The "Broadway Joe" biopic would reunite Mangold with the same studio behind his WALK THE LINE, and the script will be provided by Mangold's 3:10 TO YUMA screenwriters Michael Brandt and Derek Haas.

If you're getting a feeling of déjà vu while reading this, it's probably because four years ago James Mangold was also in talks to direct a Joe Namath biopic for Universal, with Jake Gyllenhaal attached to star.

Joe Namath's womanizing and party boy behavior should provide more than enough material for an entertaining biopic, and although his stats in the NFL are a little less impressive than other famous quarterbacks, he really was the league's first true media superstar. Namath is probably best known for his fur coats, his famous Super Bowl III guarantee, and for wanting to kiss sideline reporter Suzy Kobler (video below).

Are you interested in a Joe Namath biopic? And who do you think should play the the legendary quarterback?