Movies News
Sony and Hooper to tell Brian Clough’s story
By M&C Movie News
Apr 24, 2008, 11:33 GMT

Sony Pictures Entertainment has picked up the worldwide rights to "The Damned United," a biopic on the life of English soccer coach Brian Clough, with Tom Hooper attached to direct from a script by Peter Morgan.

The cast will include Jim Broadbent, Timothy Spall and Colm Meaney with Michael Sheen cast to play Clough.

Variety reports Sony is set to finance the $10 million project with BBC Films. Shooting is scheduled to begin on May 25th. BBC Films developed the project with producer Andy Harries of Left Bank Pictures and Screen Yorkshire.

The film was being pre-sold by Ealing Studios Intl., and Optimum Releasing had planned to take U.K. rights. Sony’s Deborah Schindler made a worldwide rights offer the film’s producers couldn't turn down.

"The Damned United" is adapted from the Dave Peace's novel, and is set in 1974. The film flashes back to the 1960s, and follows Clough's ill-fated 44-day reign as coach of Leeds United – which at the time was one of England's most successful soccer teams.

Hooper has handled several high profile biopics - including HBO’s “John Adams” and “Elizabeth I.” He also earned critical acclaim for the Brit telepic "Longford" (which was written by Morgan).

Morgan has also handled script duties on several high profile films – including “The Queen” and "The Other Boleyn Girl." He is at work adapting his own play "Frost/Nixon."