Across the span of human history, there have been many incredible people. Hollywood has long been fascinated with adapting many of these stories to the big screen, from Gandhi.
But what about all of the stories that are still left to be told? There is no shortage of people throughout history who deserve to have their lives adapted to the screen. While there is no way every deserving person can get their own biopic, Reddit has some strong choices for who should be next.
Erwin Rommel
Reddit WWII era films that have been made recently, I think the time is right to take another look at the Desert Fox." Rommel was one of 's top military leaders during World War II, and lead the Nazi forces in the North African campaign.
Rommel has always been a disputed figure, famous for his military prowess and supposedly more honorable behavior despite his involvement in the Nazi regime. His role in the atrocities committed by the Nazis has also been subject to debate, and he was even implicated in a plot to assassinate Hitler. Whatever his legacy, a Rommel biopic could be a fascinating look at the other side of the war and, while a film about Rommel was aired on German TV in 2012, it's perhaps time for Hollywood to take on the story.
Louis Vuitton
Creator of the now legendary luxury fashion brand, Louis Vuitton was a man who came from humble beginnings to create a lasting legacy. kaysea112 suggested Zack Galafinakis to star as the famous designer in a comedic retelling of his rise to fame. After a troubled upbringing and spending his teenage years traveling around taking odd jobs, Vuitton found his way to Paris, where he managed to build quite a reputation as a craftsman for the rich and powerful.
According to kaysea112, "He finds himself catering to the rich... who wear powdered wigs and enjoy fancy things. Now he has to pretend to be one of them to sell his bags." Vuitton's story could be a biopic with a sense of humor as he tries to blend in among the post-Napoleonic French elite, and Galafinakis has the comedic chops to pull off the role spectacularly.
Lady Bird Johnson
To the disappointment of a now deleted Reddit , 2017' Ladybird was not about the former First Lady, and prompted them to say, "Give me a Lady Bird Johnson biopic." Lady Bird Johnson, real name Claudia Johnson, is one of the most well-known First Ladies in American history and is well known for breaking new ground as to what the duties of the First Lady could be.
The wife to President Lyndon Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson was a major player in helping aid and finance not only her husband's campaigns but also his istration. She was the first First Lady to have her own team of officials and reimagined the role of the First Lady in office. With the right script, Johnson could be one of the most iconic women to have her own biopic.
Teddy Roosevelt
Considered one of the greatest American presidents by many historians, Theodore Roosevelt lived a very full and eccentric life. Roosevelt made a name for himself as a strategist during the Spanish-American War, before reg to fight in it himself. In an ironic turn of events, a trick by his rivals to get him out of office ended up leading him directly to the Presidency after William McKinley's assassination.
Reaching nearly every end of the political com, Roosevelt fought monopolies, established national parks, built the Panama Canal, and won a Nobel Prize for helping end the Russo-Japanese War. The late Robin Williams played the role of Roosevelt in Night at The Museum, but Redditor hossamsalah suggested "Teddy Roosevelt, played by Nick Offerman." Offerman's iconic mustachioed image would make him a fitting choice to play Roosevelt.
Robert Smalls
The life of Robert Smalls is so incredible that it's surprising he hasn't gotten a biopic already. Having been born into slavery, Smalls escaped during the Civil War by stealing a Confederate warship. Smalls sailed the ship through enemy waters all the way to Union territory, helping rescue others along the way. After this, he helped convince President Lincoln to allow Black soldiers into the army and was later elected to the House of Representatives during Reconstruction.
Redditor wangdingus started a thread about a possible Smalls biopic, with Kenan Thompson and Jordan Peele being mentioned to star. Deadline reports that a film about Smalls is reportedly in development at Amazon studios, so fans may not have to wait much longer.
Mansa Musa
DatPiff916 wants to see a road-trip movie about "King Mansa Musa, one of the richest kings in Africa's history," and many other s agree. King of the powerful Mali Empire, Mansa Musa is believed to have been the single richest man in human history and one of the greatest Mali kings. It was his pilgrimage to Mecca that Redditors want to see most, however.
On his trip through Egypt, Musa's extreme wealth and generosity devalued gold so much in the country that it almost destroyed the entire Egyptian economy, and Musa had to help rebuild it on his return journey. This could serve as a hilarious premise for a historical comedy romp, and Reddit's choice of Idris Elba to play Mansa Musa could be the perfect casting.
Harald Hardrada
Another ancient king, Harald Hadrada was mentioned by could rival any storyline from Vikings.
Like most famous Vikings, Hadrada's life was filled with war, violence, and conquest. Fighting battles as young as fifteen, Hardrada served as a mercenary, commander of the Byzantine Varangian Guard, and the king of Norway. Hardrada's time as king was surprisingly believed to be a peaceful rule until his death in battle against the English. Game of Thrones' Kristofer Hivju is phonyladys' choice to play the last king of the Vikings.
Jack Churchill
Famous among history buffs, Jack Churchill is another popular choice for the biopic treatment. Summed up by desepticon, "This guy was amazing. Among his numerous deeds, he would march into battle playing bagpipes armed with a sword and longbow... in World War II." Desepticon is definitely correct, as, throughout WWII, Churchill's eccentricity earned him the nickname "Mad Jack".
Mad Jack's exploits include leading an ambush with a broadsword, charging into battle playing bagpipes, digging himself out of a POW camp, and supposedly killing an enemy soldier with his longbow. Churchill survived the war and continued his military service, furthering his unique reputation. In of casting, even Reddit has few ideas on who could play the role. Perhaps Jack was too mad to truly replicate.
Zheng Yi Sao
Zheng Yi Sao has gone down in history as possibly the most successful pirate of all time. Reddit jtaustin64 voiced what many others agreed by saying "We need a movie about her so badly!" The woman who became known as Zheng Yi Sao took over her husband's pirate empire when he died in 1807, and for the next three years, she dominated the seas of China.
Her fleet became so massive, estimated at around 400 ships, that she clashed with the British East India Company and the Portuguese and Chinese governments. After proving that she could stand against even these powerful forces, the Qing dynasty finally agreed to a deal that granted Zheng Yi Sao amnesty in return for her ending her piracy. It's a true rags to riches tale and one that is perfect for the big screen.
Hannibal Barca
Reddit's most popular choice for a biopic is none other than Hannibal Barca. Among many others, melonowl says "Seriously though, his life was crazy. He brought Rome to its knees, and fought them in Italy for almost 20 years." The commander of the armies of Carthage, Rome's biggest rival, during the Second Punic War, Hannibal has gone down in history as one of the greatest military leaders in history.
Known for marching elephants over the Alps, Hannibal fought the might of the Roman Empire on their own turf, putting Rome on the run for years until he was eventually outlasted. Vin Diesel has voiced his wishes to make a Hannibal trilogy, so perhaps the general will finally get his big break on screen.
