Just yesterday it was reported that Christian Bale (American Hustle) was no longer attached to play Steve Jobs in the Aaron Sorkin (The Social Network) penned biopic, which will be directed by Danny Boyle (127 Hours). Today there’s word from Deadline that Boyle, Sorkin, and company could be eyeing Michael Fassbender (X-Men: Days of Future Past, 12 Years a Slave) as Bale’s replacement.
With Fassbender beginning production on Bryan Singer’s X-Men: Apocalypse early next year, it would leave an ample amount of time for filming on the Jobs biopic to start this winter as originally planned (although Fassbender and the studio would have to reach an agreement fairly quickly).
Although those following the Jobs project mourned the loss of Bale and his extensive range, Fassbender, if hired, would be more than just a serviceable replacement. While the actor doesn’t yet carry the name recognition of Bale, he does share Bale’s habit of completely committing and transforming himself for his work. Fassbender, like Bale, had to undergo a drastic diet and dramatic weight loss to play Bobby Sands, a political prisoner on a hunger strike in Steve McQueen’s Hunger. He has also bulked up significantly for roles in Zack Snyder’s 300 and Neil Marshall’s Centurion.
Bale eportedly dropped out due to a feeling that he wasn’t right for the role. The hope is that Fassbender, who shares Irish parentage with director Boyle, fits for the role of the tech mogul. Seth Rogen is still in talks to play Steve Wozniak, Apple’s co-founder.
Aaron Sorkin’s script is based on the biography by Walter Isaacson, which Sony retained the rights to in 2011, following Jobs’ death.