Variety reports that the Tonya Harding biopic(I, Tonya) has found a director in Craig Gillespie, whose credits range from Lars and the Real Girl to the Fright Night remake, last directed Walt Disney Pictures‘ true historical rescue tale The Finest Hours.
The Tonya Harding biopic will star Margot Robbie . The script originated as a spec by Steven Rogers, the writer behind Kate & Leopold and Love the Coopers. Rogers’ script is based on firsthand interviews with the real Tonya Harding and her former husband turned partner in crime Jeff Gillooly.
The Tonya Harding biopic aims to shine a light on the infamous 1994 incident wherein the Olympic figure skater was connected to an attack on skating rival Nancy Kerrigan. Kerrigan was attacked by a hired thug following a practice session in Detroit. Although the intent was to break Kerrigan’s leg, the skater was only bruised and went on to significantly outperform Harding in the Olympics. Following the event, Harding was prosecuted for the attack alongside Gillooly and several additional parties.
Margot Robbie will produce the Tonya Harding biopic through her LuckyChap Entertainment alongside Clubhouse Pictures’ Bryan Unkeless.
