ESPN is working with Robert Redford on a theatrical movie about Jackie Robinson and Branch Rickey of the Brooklyn Dodgers and how they broke baseball’s color barrier.
Mr. Redford will star as Mr. Rickey, the baseball executive who brought Mr. Robinson to the Dodgers. The actor will also be a producer on the film, along with Tracy Falco, Howard and Karen Baldwin and Andrew Cohen.
The project is the first to spring from ESPN’s collaboration with Creative Artists Agency on scripted projects for the cable network’s film arm.
The film is being produced with the approval of Robinson’s widow, Rachel, Branch Rickey Jr. and Major League Baseball.
“ESPN Films is honored to be collaborating with such accomplished storytellers and filmmakers for such an important sports and American story,” Ron Semiao, senior VP, ESPN content development, said in a statement.
“Having lived it, I fervently hope that the passionate team we have assembled thus far will protect our story and bring it to fruition,” Ms. Robinson said in a statement.
(Editor: Baumann)