Emile Hirsch To Play John Belushi In New Biopic

Emile Hirsch will be playing John Belushi in an upcoming biopic.

The untitled project will be written and directed by Steve Conrad.

Emile Hirsch has been cast as “Saturday Night Live” alum John Belushi in an upcoming biopic from writer-director Steve Conrad.

TheWrap reports that this isn’t the first time that a movie has been made about the late comedian. Michael Chiklis starred as the Saturday Night Live member in the 1989 movie Wired. That movie didn’t have the Belushi family’s blessing but Conrad’s project is working hand-in-hand with Belushi’s widow, Judy Belushi Pisano.

Pisano will be producing the movie along with Belushi’s Blues Brothers co-star Dan Aykroyd.

Pisano and Aykroyd have given Hirsch their approval but what will fan thinks about the Into The Wild actor playing John Belushi.

Hirsch is definitely a talented dramatic actor and he has plenty of experience playing real-life characters. He played Christopher McCandless in Into The Wild, Cleve Jones in Milk, and skater Jay Adams in Lords Of Dogtown. Hirsch has also some experience with comedic acting in movies like The Girl Next Door.

What do you think of Emile Hirsch playing John Belushi? Fans seem a little unsure about the casting choice.

Emile Hirsch to play John Belushi. Hells bells. Did they pick a name out of a hat?

— THE STUDIO EXEC (@studioexec1) October 29, 2013

OMG Emile Hirsch has been cast to play John Belushi in a biopic about John Belushi. This is greatness

— Danielle (@danmeoww) October 29, 2013

On the surface, Emile Hirsch may not seem like a good choice. The two actors don’t look too much alike and Hirsch will probably have to put on a little weight for the role. Of course, you can’t really make the “do they look alike” argument until you see the actor in make up.

Emile Hirsch is playing John Beluschi. Don’t really think they look too much alike.

— Mike Ricco (@Riccola49) October 29, 2013

The real question is can Emile Hirsch play a funny but dramatic character? John Belushi was a clown on camera but his story is a tragic one. Casting Hirsch will allow director Steve Conrad to take a closer look at the drama in Belushi’s life.

[Image Via cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com]