A Jim Valvano biopic is in the works, and starring as the late coach is none other than Ray Romano.
Per Deadline, Romano will also serve as a producer on the untitled film, which will have its script written by Jim Strouse.
Notably, Valvano’s family is also involved in the project, and “will provide key resources for the film” while also receiving executive producer credits.
Here are some quotes from Jim’s daughter Jamie, Romano, and game1 co-CEO Basil Iwanyk (another producer on the film).
“We couldn’t be more excited to finally tell my father’s story in the form of a feature film, especially with Ray Romano and game1 as partners,” said Jamie Valvano, Jim and Pam Valvano’s middle daughter. “We had a front-row seat to one of the greatest stories of all time, and we are thrilled to share it with the entire world as well.”
Said game1 co-CEO Iwanyk: “Jimmy V was not only one of the great college basketball coaches of this generation, but one of the most inspirational and impactful figures in the world in terms of his efforts to eradicate cancer. Ray is the perfect choice to not only help produce this film, but to play Jimmy V.”
Said Romano: “Jim Valvano has always been an inspiration to me. I’m looking forward to working with the team at game1 as well as the Valvano Family to bring Jim’s incredible story and legacy to the screen.”
Next year marks the 40th anniversary of Valvano’s national championship victory with NC State, so the timing for the film makes sense. ESPN’s 30 for 30 Survive and Advance is a good starting point for anyone interested in Valvano’s story, though it did come out nine years ago. I’m pretty interested in where this biopic ends up getting released, who else gets cast, and how it turns out.
[Deadline]
