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Focus Features Nabs Jesse Owens Biopic 'Race,' Adds Jason Sudeikis

by Ethan Anderton
July 16, 2014
Source: THR

Back in May, one of three competing Jesse Owens biopics made some progress by casting up and coming star Stephan James in the film called Race directed by Blown Away helmer Stephen Hopkins. Now that film is looking even better as Focus Features has just picked up the US distribution rights to the film, and added two more cast members. Jason Sudeikis (We're the Millers) and Jeremy Irons (Beautiful Creatures) have both landed roles in the film about the iconic African-American track-and-field star who competed in the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany and won four gold medals to rub Adolf Hitler's face in. More below!

Race will follow Owens career from his humble beginnings in 1920s Cleveland to his move in Alabama before becoming the track and field star that history respects today. Focus puts just the right amount of fluff on their description of the film calling it “an enthralling film about courage, determination, tolerance, and friendship, and an inspiring drama about one man’s fight to become an Olympic legend.” THR reports Sudeikis will play Owens' coach Larry Snyder, which marks an interesting dramatic turn for him, while Irons will play Avery Brundage, the head of the American Olympic committee, who fought to have the 1936 Olympics take place in Berlin. Will the film have a big ensemble cast? Stay tuned for more.

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