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Legendary Pictures is developing a movie based on the life of the late Roberto Clemente, the first Latino inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Legendary has acquired life rights from Clemente’s family and movie rights to David Maraniss’ biography “Clemente: The Passion and Grace of Baseball’s Last Hero.”
Legendary made the deal two years after releasing Jackie Robinson biopic “42,” which turned in a solid performance at the box office with nearly $100 million in domestic grosses.
Ben Silverman and Jay Weisleder are producing through their Fuego Films banner along with Legendary. Giselle Fernandez and Sandra Condito are the executive producers.
The Puerto Rican was universally respected as a passionate player and humanitarian. He played 18 seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 through 1972, was an All-Star for 12 seasons and got his 3,000th hit in his final at bat. He died in an aviation accident on Dec. 31, 1972, while attempting to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
Clemente was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1973.
Legendary CEO Thomas Tull is a sports fan who also serves as a board member for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. He is also part owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers football team.
Silverman is a producer on The CW’s “Jane the Virgin” through his Electus banner and teamed with Weisleder to produce upcoming boxing drama “Hands of Stone,” starring Edgar Ramirez, Usher and Robert De Niro.
Roberto Clemente Biopic in the Works at Legendary | Variety
