There are probably only a dozen or so notable actors out there who conceivably play the older Ernest Hemingway, the iconic, white-bearded figure who spent his time fishing in Cuba and drinking his life away. And really, who better for the part than Anthony Hopkins, who convincingly played Nixon at one point, for Christ's sake.
Andy Garcia, who is cobbling together the indie project Hemingway & Fuentes, has tapped Hopkins to play the writer, while Garcia will play Gregoria Fuentes, a fishing boat captain believed by some to be the inspiration for the title character of The Old Man and the Sea. Garcia told THR's Risky Biz Blog that he plans to focus the movie on Hemingway's later, fish-filled years. "I'm a Hemingway nut and also an avid fisherman, and the reality of the relationship between Hemingway and his captain is compelling to me."
Even better, Annette Bening may sign on to play Hemingway's wife. And Garcia will be co-writing the screenplay with Hilary Hemingway, the author's niece, which suggests we might get some really interesting family details. If Hopkins signs on, it'll bring the project to a whole new level-- who doesn't want to see Hopkins once again take on an American icon? Hopefully Garcia is putting the pressure on Sir Anthony as we speak.
