Steven Spielberg’s long-gestating “Lincoln” biopic is now approaching the kind of status usually applied to Stanley Kubrick’s endlessly developed and never made “Napolean.” The project has been on Spielberg’s slate for years with Liam Neeson consistently attached for the titular role, but now it looks like the director has waited too long.
Speaking with GMTV, Neeson revealed that he’s no longer involved in the project: “I’m not actually playing Lincoln now. I was attached to it for a while, but it’s now…I’m past my sell-by date,” he said. It’s a bit unclear whether he’s tired of waiting or too old for the part, but considering Lincoln died at 56 and Neeson is now 58, we would guess age is a primary factor.
Obviously, with Spielberg imminently set to begin production on “War Horse” that will see a release on August 10, 2011, “Lincoln” isn’t anywhere close to going into production. Last we heard, the script by Tony Kushner (“Angels In America”) was still being revised. An early draft, focusing solely on four months of Lincoln’s life, came in at 500 pages before it was whittled down. The film will apparently focus on the president’s anguish over the length and toll of the Civil War, but that could change. The film was previously estimated as requiring a $50 million budget which would have been peanuts back in the day, but in the current climate of 3D movies and comic franchises, it might be difficult to pull financing together even for someone like Spielberg.
But again, this could end up being the dream project that never gets made. Spielberg has a host of other projects that could grab his attention following “War Horse,” and he tends to alternate between sober dramas and popcorn munchers so it could be a while yet before he decides on what his next Oscar baiter will be.
Now that Neeson is out of the picture, let the speculation on who could fill his shoes begin. Any suggestions?
Only guy I could think of tall and lanky enough is James Cromwell, but if Neeson's too old, he's definitely too old.
Not to sure about how young of a Lincoln they are looking at portraying, but I think Micheal Fassbender could probably pass as a younger-ish Abe…
What about that guy from True Blood? He's super tall, has giant bags under his eyes, and he'll probably be in his 40s by the time this thing ever gets made.
If they want a younger Neeson, look no further than Benjamin Walker.
He's already played Andrew Jackson.
I'd much rather Spielberg do Interstellar next than Lincoln anywya
Spielberg is rich enough to finance a $50 million film. He's a billionaire.
50,000,000 $ is difficult to fund? Don't fuck! Spielberg can do this flick only with the coins he find in his pockets every morning! And you want I believe a difference of TWO years between Neeson and Lincoln is the main obstacle? COME ON!
David Strathairn just because I love the man.