It’s been a minute since we last revisited the continuing saga of Danny Boyle’s Steve Jobs biopic. After the thoroughly troubled project got the heave-ho from Sony and was then picked up by Universal, we heard definitive-ish news that Michael Fassbender was definitely probably going to tackle the lead role of Apple founder Steve Jobs. That was early December, and things have been relatively quiet on the shambling project since. Until now, that is.
Deadline reported yesterday afternoon that Universal and Boyle had begun principal photography on the film officially titled Steve Jobs. More than that, Universal also proudly revealed the finalized cast list—no more last-minute shake-ups. Fassbender will don the black turtleneck and dad jeans, and Seth Rogen will play cofounder Steve Wozniak. Kate Winslet will inject a little awards-gold firepower as Mac marketing boss Joanna Hoffman. Jeff Daniels will play John Sculley, one-time CEO of Apple. Inherent Vice’s Katherine Waterston will play Jobs’ ex Chrisann Brennan, and Michael Stuhlbarg will appear as Andy Hertzfeld, one of the Mac’s original developers.
Shooting has already begun in San Francisco and the area surrounding Berkeley’s campus. (According to the Deadline item, period-appropriate ’80s cars were seen parked around a shoot.) If this is for real, this is extremely exciting. However, after so many delays and snags and general tomfoolery, I don’t think I’ll believe this film exists until I’m sitting in the theater, watching it. Until then, we may all join in sending good energies to the cast and crew of Steve Jobs, for a safe and swift production.