Robert Zemeckis is attached to direct Universal’s feature adaptation of Jeff Malmberg’s critically acclaimed 2010 documentary “Marwencol,” TheWrap has learned.
Caroline Thompson (“Edward Scissorhands”) wrote the screenplay, which follows Mark Hogancamp, whose memory was wiped away by a vicious assault. He finds comfort in building a miniature village populated by dolls whose identities are very real to him, as their actions help him cope with what happened to him.
Zemeckis is currently preparing to cast the lead role and one insider tells TheWrap that Leonardo DiCaprio is his top choice. That said, DiCaprio is in high demand all over town as the release of Martin Scorsese‘s “Wolf of Wall Street” approaches.
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Universal recently optioned Hogancamp’s life rights as well as the documentary based on his life story.
Zemeckis’ Universal-based banner ImageMovers will produce the film, which Malmberg will executive produce.
Universal’s VP of production Maradith Frenkel and creative executive Chloe Yellin will oversee on behalf of the studio.
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Zemeckis has found himself drawn to true stories of late, having last directed the Denzel Washington movie “Flight.” While the Oscar-winning director is nearing a deal to board Lionsgate’s YA adaptation “Chaos Walking,” it’s more likely that “Marwencol” will be his next movie.