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Kenneth Branagh to Direct 'Boys in the Boat' Olympic Rowing Project

by Ethan Anderton
March 4, 2011

We just got a look at a cool new poster and banner for his forthcoming adaptation of Thor for Marvel Studios, but now we have word on the next project from director Kenneth Branagh following the comic book flick. Today Variety revealed the filmmaker will direct The Boys in the Boat, a new sports drama based on a nonfiction book proposal by Daniel James Brown. Set in the 1930's, the story follows the University of Washington's powerhouse rowing team as they flow into the Olympics. Though the Winklevoss twins won't be involved, sources have described the story as a cross between Seabiscuit and Chariots of Fire.

Speaking of the Winklevoss twins, it's interesting to note that this project seems to be coming together in much the same way The Social Network was launched. Writer Aaron Sorkin was brought on board to write a screenplay when only a proposal for Ben Mezrich's book The Accidental Billionaires was used as the basis for the film. As for Branagh's interest in the story, the director says, "The Boys in The Boat is an epic. I was completely captivated by the characters, the era, and the dreams of a generation unfolding beautifully and dramatically." A brief statement, but Branagh is quite a wordsmith. He's the only man who has the potential to talk about a Twilight film and get me excited. What do you think?

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