If you are reading this article on a computer, odds are it came with some kind of McAfee program You might be using its virus protect right now. But the story of the man who created it all, John McAfee, has more twists and turns than the code for a Trojan horse virus. Now, one of the best actors of his generation adds his intensity to bring the reclusive millionaire to the big screen.
Deadline is reporting that Michael Keaton has been cast as McAfee in King of the Jungle, replacing Johnny Depp, who was attached to the role in early stages of development.
The film will tell the true story of John McAfee, who cashed in the fortune he made from his computer products and left civilization for the jungles of Belize. While there, he was accused of having a neighbor of his murdered, causing him to go on the run. The movie is adapted from a Wired article by Ari Furman. Seth Rogen will play Furman in the film.
The film is directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, who got rave reviews fro their work on a similarly themed I Love Your Phillip Morris. And the film is written by the team of Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski who have become the masters of adapting offbeat true life tales to the big screen like The People Vs. Larry Flint, Man on the Moon, Big Eyes and American Crime Story: The People vs. O.J. Simpson.
The film is still looking for a studio to house it, and now that Keaton has jumped aboard, that task should get much easier.
