Soderbergh to direct Liberace biopic

Soderbergh to direct Liberace biopic

Richard LaGravenese

MUMBAI: Steven Soderbergh is all set to helm a Liberace biopic for HBO titled Behind the Candelabra. The film will have Michael Douglas play the legendary entertainer and Matt Damon as his younger lover, Scott Thorson.

"From the inception of this project, we‘ve had two priorities: getting it right creatively, and getting as many people as possible to see it," Soderbergh has been quoted to have said.

"HBO‘s fearless approach to original programming and their unparalleled ability to pull in viewers make them the perfect fit for us. Apart from my hair growing back, I couldn‘t be happier," he added.

The project boasts a script penned by Oscar-nominee Richard LaGravenese that has been inspired by Thorson‘s memoir, Behind the Candelabra: My Life With Liberace.

Douglas has long been attached to the film, which was originally set to start shooting in June 2010. Because of Douglas‘ battle with cancer and Damon‘s busy schedule, the production was delayed. The film is now set to roll in the summer of 2012.