Steve McQueen biopics in the works

By Patrick Luce Jan 28, 2009, 12:59 GMT

Two films are in the works to bring the life of Hollywood icon Steve McQueen to the big screen. Steve McQueen as Capt. Hilts in "The Great Escape."

Hollywood icon Steve McQueen is now getting the Hollywood treatment with two biopics in the works.

Variety reports producers Michael Cerenzie and Christine Peters have announced plans for a film based on the life of the actor – who died in 1980 at the age of 50. Producer David Foster ("The Mask of Zorro") has also announced plans for a McQueen biopic based on the memoir from McQueen's first wife, Neile McQueen Toffel.

Foster (who began in Hollywood as McQueen's publicist and produced McQueen's film "The Getaway") will work with producer Kevin Kasha (who picked up the rights to Toffel’s "My Husband, My Friend") on the film – which has the working title “McQueen.” Dale "Chip" Rosenbloom is also producing with Toffel executive producing.

Foster has hired Roderick and Bruce Taylor ("The Brave One") to adapt the book, and the two writers have been granted access to the McQueen estate – which is controlled by Toffel, McQueen’s son, Chad McQueen, and McQueen’s granddaughter, Molly Flattery.

Foster’s film will follow the relationship between the film icon and Toffel. The two began their relationship in 1956 while Toffel was a Broadway star and a contract actress with MGM. They were married for more than 15 years, had two children, and four grandchildren together.