Joseph Gordon-Levitt Cast As Philippe Pettit in 'To Walk the Clouds'

Credit: NBC

Ever see the Oscar-winning documentary Man on Wire? If not, you should. Not only is the true story of high-wire artist Philippe Pettit a great movie, it's also getting a big-screen film dramatization with one of the biggest stars of the moment.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has been cast as Pettit in To Walk the Clouds, a TriStar-produced film based on Man on Wire that is set to be directed by Oscar winner Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump). The film will tell the story of the high-wire artist's successful tightrope walk between the Twin Towers in 1974.

Zemeckis will not only direct the film, he will also co-write the script with Christopher Browne, in addition to acting as producer with ImageMovers partners Jack Rapke and Steve Starkey. As if that's not enough, Zemeckis plans on shooting the film in 3D, adding to his signature flair for visual ambition, as represented in the Back to the Future films, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, and The Polar Express, among other films. This is exciting news, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt's casting is the icing on the cake.

Seriously though, check out Man on Wire. So charming, and achingly lovely. And you'll see just how JGL is a perfect fit for this. I'd go as far as to argue that, if he plays his cards right, he could score his first Oscar nomination with this. It's exactly the kind of role the Academy loves (showy-as-hell, based on a real person, tortured yet warm and emotional). And as a big fan of the man's work, I'd love to see that happen for him. I seriously can't wait to see this film.

Via: Variety