For those that haven’t seen the wonderful 2010 documentary by Asif Kapadia (and distributed in Canada by Mongrel Media) on racing legend Ayrton Senna aptly named Senna, run out and buy it now because not only is it very well done, it acts as a great primer for the F1 Race Car driver whose life was cut way too short at the age of 34. The Brazilian‘s meteoric rise and storied career made him a household name until his life ended tragically when he was killed in a crash in 1994 during the San Marino Grand Prix.

Since the doc there has been rumours of a potential biopic that has now had some pretty major developments. At a recent press junket for What to Expect, Steve ‘Frosty’ Weintraub of Collider got into a conversation with star Rodrigo Santoro who confirmed that he is in talks to star as the beloved Brazilian. While nothing is confirmed, a script is in the midst of being developed, albeit slowly to ensure the legacy of Senna was not only honoured but celebrated by portraying him properly.

Collider goes on to say that the actor is very much aware of just how much Senna means to the people of Brazil, and elaborated on just how cautiously they’re approaching the film:

“I mean, he’s a hero.  In Brazil, he’s…’huge’ wouldn’t describe it.  He’s a hero, like a true hero.  It’s a very delicate matter; I’ve been very careful [with] how we’re going to approach that.  If we get this done, if we really move forward with this project, it will be with the family, with his family, it will all be done in a very, very careful and respectful way. So yeah that might be possible in the future.  Right now, we’re still in conversations, but it is moving.”

 

Santoro went on to say that at this point, the key was bringing on the right director and behind the scenes folks which might seem obvious, however it illustrates just how seriously they are all taking this.

So far I like what I hear. I loved the documentary because it was created with an obvious love and respect for Senna and it seems that this biopic, while not fully confirmed, is being developed with that same type of love.

I will definitely be keeping a close eye on this one.