James Franco To Direct Joe Namath Biopic And A Streetcar Named Desire

Not long ago we told you that James Franco will direct both Cormac McCarthy’s Child Of God, and another McCarthy novel, Blood Meridian. Looks like that’s not enough to keep the actor busy though. While at the Carmel Film Festival promoting his latest film Sal with star Val Lauren, Franco announced that he will direct a biopic about NFL great Joe Namath in 3D and plans to begin shooting next summer.

This news comes straight from the Official James Franco News page. The Facebook page for the site went on to say that they wouldn’t be surprised if Val Lauren, the actor who played Sal Mineo in Franco’s latest directional effort, and a good friend of Franco’s, could take on the role. There are no plans for Lauren to star as Namath as of yet but it’s certainly a possibility.

Franco had previously stated that Blood Meridian was on hold, and Michael Shannon stated Franco’s adaptation of William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying, which Shannon will star in, was also on hold due to investor problems. That’s the last we heard on those two projects and now, we are left to wonder where Child Of God and the untitled Namath bio will fit into Franco’s timetable.

Also announced recently is another project that will have James Franco and Val Lauren together, an adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. The same site that reported on the Namath film stated that:

“Lauren told us he’ll appear next with James in Tennessee Williams’ STREETCAR; they’ll film the play starting Dec 3 in Detroit (no public performances)”

Lauren will star as Stanley Kowalski and Franco will direct the project on stage with cameras. It is not known how the footage will be released, but it is presumed that it will be used as a stand alone film, on stage, instead of a set.

While it may look like he has too much on his plate, Franco is certainly trying to keep himself busy. All of the aforementioned projects sounds exciting and we’re having trouble deciding which one we’re most excited about. Let us know in the comments which one you’re most looking forward to.