Freemasons Run The World: Does Christopher Nolan Have His Sights Set On A Howard Hughes Biopic?

Vulture is reporting that once his directing duties in Gotham City finish up, Christopher Nolan will next tackle the crazy life of crazy Howard Hughes. But, wait, didn't Martin Scorsese just do the same story? Is this just Nolan's Vice Versa to Scorsese's Big?

Nolan has actually been hot to direct a story on the reclusive industrialist/urine jar enthusiast for some time now; he was circling an adaptation when Scorsese's version came down the pike, and Nolan wisely decided to shelve the project. Even if it wasn't Martin's best work, no director would want to actively want to invite a competition with a Scorsese film.

But enough time has elapsed now that Nolan feels comfortable enough to try his version out. And more importantly, it will differ significantly from the earlier version. Scorsese's version was slightly neutered, concentrating on Hughes' early, lucid years as an aviator and business magnate, and soft-pedaled his batshit years, where he became a germophobic recluse who cut his hair and nails only once a year. Dramatically, it was a bit like watching a movie about Mel Gibson that ends after he wins an Oscar for Braveheart, but adds a brief postscript saying, he also had notable disagreements with women and Jews.

Happily, Nolan's version, reportedly based on Michael Drosnin's Citizen Hughes: The Power, the Money and the Madness, won't shy away from the madness that gripped Hughes in his later years. So if you want to see a Mormon-protected, codeine-addicted, Banana Ripple ice cream-loving Howard Hughes, pencil 2014 into your calender! And who knows, maybe Leonardo DiCaprio will reprise his role? Nothing like a little continuity to bridge the rise along with the fall, after all.

·After Batman 3, Christopher Nolan Wants to Make His Shelved Howard Hughes Biopic [Vulture]