Robert Redford to produce, star in Jackie Robinson biopic

Posted Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 3:50 PM Central

by Tim Briscoe

Sixty-one years ago today, the Brooklyn Dodgers' Jackie Robinson performed one of the most courageous acts in sports history. On Apr. 15, 1947, Robinson braved death threats and bigotry to become the first African-American major league baseball player. Indeed, no small feat.

On Monday, ESPN announced that it would work with Robert Redford to produce a new movie based on Mr. Robinson's breaking of the color barrier. Redford will serve as one of the film's producers and star as Branch Rickey, the Dodgers' general manager who signed the player.

The film has the cooperation of Rachel Robinson, Jackie's widow, Branch Rickey Jr. and Major League Baseball itself. The famed ball player starred as himself in in the 1950 film The Jackie Robinson Story. (Andre Braugher starred as Robinson in the 1990 TV movie The Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson. That film involved his fight against racial discrimination prior to baseball.)

Director Thomas Carter is reportedly set to helm the project. He previously directed the basketball drama Coach Carter.

Now that the Jackie Robinson biopic has been officially announced, which actor would you like to see in the lead role? Or should it be an unknown actor like in the case of the Biggie Smalls movie Notorious? I'm sure Columbus Short will be on everyone's list.

Send us your suggestions.

No word yet on a possible release date for this untitled film.