Almost twenty years after his tragic death, Formula One racer Ayrton Senna has suddenly become one of the most sought-after life stories in film.

Earlier this year, the documentary about Senna’s life entitled Senna won critical acclaim and two BAFTA awards including Best Documentary. But it has now been revealed that Brazilian actor Rodrigo Santoro (who spoke about his involvement with the 300 sequel in yesterday’s news) is looking to develop a biopic film based on the racer’s life.

Speaking to Collider, Santoro said that he was hoping Senna’s family would approve of the film and allow him to begin production stressing the importance of getting the right people involved.

“They’re working on the script… There is something already, like a structure. They’re trying to figure out how they’re going to do this. It’s a real big, big project, that’s why. For Brazil, it’s the biggest one. I mean… 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… Right now, we’re still in conversations, but it is moving.”

Santoro has denied speculation that he will play Senna in the biopic and is remaining cautious about whether the project can move forward.

Senna himself was a three-time world champion in Formula One and was remembered for his competitive streak and his rivalry with fellow driver Alian Prost before his tragic death in a crash in 1994.

Some may argue it’s a bit too soon to release another film about Senna’s life so recently after the successful documentary but I would be intrigued to see how it would pan out as a biopic.

Source: Collider