Glen Powell and Richard Linklater to Develop Lou Gehrig Biopic
Universal Pictures is developing a biopic about baseball legend Lou Gehrig, with Glen Powell set to star and Richard Linklater directing. The film will explore Gehrig’s resilience in the face of ALS, with Lorne Michaels producing.
Glen Powell and Richard Linklater to Develop Lou Gehrig Biopic
A biopic about Lou Gehrig is in development at Universal Pictures. Glen Powell will portray the New York Yankees player, while Richard Linklater will direct. The screenplay is written by Simon Rich.
Lorne Michaels will produce the film through Broadway Video, as part of a first-look deal with Universal. Powell will co-produce with Dan Cohen under the Barnstorm banner. Linklater may also produce via Detour Filmproduction.
A Renewed Collaboration Around Baseball
Glen Powell and Richard Linklater have previously worked together twice. In 2016, they collaborated on Everybody Wants Some!!, a comedy about a college baseball team. Their first collaboration dates back to 2006 with Fast Food Nation, where Powell had a supporting role.
Their new project will mark their third collaboration. Powell has recently been involved in several productions, including The Running Man, How to Make a Killing, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, and Chad Powers.
Lou Gehrig, Baseball Legend and Symbol of Resilience
Lou Gehrig played 2,130 consecutive games for the Yankees, a record at the time that earned him the nickname *Iron Horse*. A seven-time All-Star, two-time American League MVP, and six-time World Series champion, he also won the Triple Crown.
His career came to an abrupt end in 1939 when he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), now known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. On July 4, 1939, he delivered a farewell speech at Yankee Stadium, declaring himself the luckiest man on the face of the earth. He passed away on June 2, 1941, 17 days before his 38th birthday.
His story was previously brought to the screen in 1942’s The Pride of the Yankees, starring Gary Cooper.
A Film with Unclear Details
The screenplay is by Simon Rich, known for his work on Saturday Night Live and the comedy An American Pickle. The film’s tone may lean toward humor, though details remain limited.
Gehrig’s teammate, Babe Dahlgren, who replaced him at first base, is expected to play a significant role in the plot. No filming start date has been announced.
Key Points
- Glen Powell will portray Lou Gehrig, the New York Yankees legend, in a biopic produced by Universal Pictures.
- Richard Linklater will direct the film, marking his third collaboration with Powell.
- Lou Gehrig, nicknamed Iron Horse, played 2,130 consecutive games before being diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS).
- The screenplay is written by Simon Rich, known for his work on Saturday Night Live and An American Pickle.
- Lorne Michaels will produce the film through Broadway Video, with Powell and Dan Cohen as co-producers.
Sources
- Deadline Hollywood - "Glen Powell And Richard Linklater Reunite For Lou Gehrig Film At Universal; Lorne Michaels To Produce". (secondary)
- Variety - "Glen Powell, Richard Linklater Teaming Up for Lou Gehrig Biopic, Lorne Michaels Producing". (secondary)
- Les Inrocks - "10 years later, Glen Powell and Richard Linklater reunited again". (secondary)
- Consequence - "Glen Powell to Star in Lou Gehrig Biopic Directed by Richard Linklater". (secondary)
Transparency: 4 sources (0 primary, 4 secondary). Verification: July 24, 2026.
Truthyx - July 24, 2026