A. Scott Berg’s biography, Max Perkins: Editor of Genius (1978) is slated for adaptation–the starring role will likely be played by Academy Award winner, Sean Penn.
Perkins is arguably the most famous literary editor in publishing history. He is noted for working with authors F. Scott Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, and Thomas Wolfe. Some of the titles credited to him include This Side of Paradise, The Sun Also Rises, and Of Time and the River.
Bill Pohlad will direct the biopic and John Logan has written the script.
The Hollywood Reporter piece explained: “Bill Pohlad, the producer-financier behind River Road Entertainment, is boarding to direct the showy drama and is in talks with longtime collaborator Sean Penn to star as Perkins. The project has had many lives, including one incarnation with producer Michael London and Lawrence Kasdan attached to direct. But traction, and financing, was slippery. Pohlad and Penn put it on surer ground.”