‘Captain Tom’ to get the silver screen treatment
The life story of Britain’s favourite fundraiser ‘Captain Tom’ is to become the subject of a major new film.
The 100-year-old Capt Sir Tom Moore became a national hero during lockdown when he raised £39 million for the National Health Service by walking laps of his garden.
Now UK companies Fred Films and Powder Keg Pictures, whose credits include Fisherman’s Friends, about the Cornish fishermen who signed a record deal, and Finding Your Feet, starring Imelda Staunton, have bought the rights to the feature about the former British Army captain.
It will focus on the veteran’s relationship with his younger family, who he moved in with following the death of his wife, Pamela.
It will also draw on his military career and show how the horrors of war shaped his life and inspired him to keep walking, despite having endured a long battle with skin cancer and a broken hip.
Benedict Cumberbatch has been installed as bookies’ favourite to take the role, with Tom Hardy and Tom Hiddleston also in the frame.
Captain Tom himself said: “I don’t know of any 100-year-old actors but I’m sure Michael Caine or Anthony Hopkins could do a wonderful job if they were prepared to age up!”
Writer-producers Nick Moorcroft and Meg Leonard said in a joint statement: “This is a story about the power of the human spirit and Captain Sir Tom personifies that.
“We are honoured to be telling this unique and inspiring story and are excited about audiences getting to know the man behind the headlines.”
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