Biopic about the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin is ‘gaining momentum’ in Hollywood… 15 years after he died filming a wildlife documentary
A biopic about the late conservationist Steve ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ Irwin is rumoured to be in the works.
According to Woman’s Day, the as-yet-untitled project is ‘gaining momentum’ in Hollywood with major studios and A-list actors said to be interested.
Movie executives are apparently drawn to the biopic because of Steve’s popularity in America, where he was known for his long-running Animal Planet TV series and late-night chat show appearances in the late ’90s and early ’00s.
Hollywood treatment: A biopic about the late conservationist Steve ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ Irwin is rumoured to be in the works. Pictured here on June 26, 2002, in San Francisco
Australia is also one of the few destinations where films can be shot safely during the Covid-19 pandemic, making a biopic of a famous Australian particularly appealing.
Steve’s widow, Terri, and daughter, Bindi, are said to be involved in discussions about the film, which will follow Steve’s life as a zookeeper’s son growing up in Queensland the 1970s to achieving global fame as the larger-than-life Crocodile Hunter.
‘There’s no way this project can go ahead without Terri and Bindi involved every step of the way,’ a source told Woman’s Day.
Work in progress: The as-yet-untitled project is ‘gaining momentum’ in Hollywood with major studios and A-list actors said to be interested, reports Woman’s Day. Steve’s widow, Terri (left), and daughter, Bindi (right), are said to be involved in discussions about the film
‘Steve’s international appeal, particularly to Americans, can’t be ignored and this isn’t the first time a project like this has been presented to [the Irwin family].’
Several names have been mentioned in connection with the film, with Marvel actor Chris Hemsworth reportedly being considered for the role of Steve.
However, Terri has allegedly said she would prefer a lesser-known Australian actor like Lincoln Lewis to portray her late husband.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Australia Zoo and Animal Planet for comment.
Steve, who died in September 2006 at the age of 44 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming a wildlife documentary in Queensland, was involved in several Hollywood films during his lifetime.
He had a cameo in Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001), provided his voice for Happy Feet (2006), and starred alongside his wife in 2002’s The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course.
The Irwin family has continued to have a presence in the media after Steve’s death, filming various series for Animal Planet, including reality show Crikey! It’s the Irwin.
They also still operate Australia Zoo on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.