Jeremy Irons to play Sir Henry Cecil in film adaptation of Frankel's career

Frankel’s extraordinary career is to be made into a film with Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons cast in the role of his legendary trainer Sir Henry Cecil.

Produced by Eclipse Films and Irons, Frankel will chart the remarkable career of the unbeaten champion, whose 14 victories for owner-breeder Khalid Abdullah included jaw-dropping victories in the 2011 2,000 Guineas and 2012 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The film, which is to be directed by Ron Scalpello from a screenplay by Jim Piddock, will also focus on the powerful bond between Frankel and his late trainer, who overcame personal torment and professional despair to reconquer racing despite suffering from serious illness.

“A lot of people have tried to make this film but fell short of the mark,” Andrew Berg and John Sachs of Eclipse Films told screendaily.com.

“Jim Piddock’s script stands out as the perfect balance of drama and action and director Ron Scalpello is a gifted director, visceral, sensitive and extremely hard working and creative.

“Jeremy was first choice to play Henry and has a genuine love for horses. Jeremy’s decision to join us as a producer has further cemented his passion for this project.”

Jeremy Irons: the award-winning actor will play the role of trainer Sir Henry Cecil

Irons, 71, is one of Britain’s best known and leading actors, winning numerous awards, including the Oscar for best actor for his portrayal of Claus von Bulow in Reversal of Fortune.

He has also starred in prominent films such as The Lion King, Die Hard: With A Vengeance and The Man In The Iron Mask. He is currently starring in hit TV series Watchmen on HBO.

Filming of Frankel is due to start later this year, although no announcement has yet been made as to when the movie will be available to the public.

The film, which has been picked up by Canadian firm WaZabi Films, is being marketed at next week’s American Film Market, an annual networking event in the USA where movies are bought, sold and financed.

WaZabi handles worldwide sales and jointly represents US rights with CAA Media Finance. It told screendaily.com: “Our clients expect us to bring them the best; Frankel fits in perfectly.”

A feature-length documentary chronicling the career of Frankel, named The Trainer and the Racehorse: The Legend of Frankel, aired on Channel 4 in 2015.

Famous racing films based on true stories

Champions (1984)

The film follows the story of Bob Champion who, after being diagnosed with cancer in 1979, recovered and went on to land an emotional victory on Aldaniti in the 1981 Grand National.

Seabiscuit (2003)

During the Great Depression, a businessman coping with the death of his son, a jockey with a history of brutal injuries and a down-and-out trainer team up to help Seabiscuit, a temperamental racehorse, become one of the most successful thoroughbreds of all time.

Ride Like a Girl (2019)

This biographical sports drama charts the rise of Michelle Payne, who became the first female to win the the Melbourne Cup when Prince Of Penzance landed the race that stops a nation in 2015.

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