Russell Crowe to direct Bill Hicks biopic

Sure, there may be plenty of comedians out there that can really stir up an audience with some insightful and witty comedy, but back in the nineties, Bill Hicks was widely regarded as the most dangerous comedian in the business.

There’s already a documentary coming out about the firebrand stand-up, but seeing as how you’re only famous once you’re dead, a biopic film is also on the cards. With none other than actor Russell Crowe set to direct it.

Written by a long-time friend of Crowe, Mark Staufer, the film will focus on the younger days of the comedian, before his 1994 death, as Staufer told the Telegraph;

Bill Hicks’ life is tragically short, but spectacularly interesting… The screenplay has gone through a number of drafts and we’ll go into production early next year.

A couple of years ago, Crowe was going to portray the comedian, but that idea has fallen away, with the Aussie actor instead using the film to make a directorial debut, something which Staufer says makes the film that much more risky, yet special:

It is a huge role for someone, made all the more special, or downright scary, by the fact the director is an Oscar-winning actor like Russell.

As much as I would have enjoyed seeing Russell Crowe carry on with his regular behaviour, except for a change of clothing that would have more black in it as the late Hicks, this is a role for a younger man.

And with many years of acting behind him, it’s going to be interesting to see what exactly Crowe cooks up, as the lost of actors turned directors continues to grow every day.

Last Updated: July 24, 2012