"Retirement" is a relative term when you're the fastest driver in the world. Since stepping back from his Formula One career, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher has remained a high-profile celebrity, often despite his best attempts to stay out of the limelight. When he's not under investigation for commandeering a taxi or dedicating buildings, he's competing ad-hoc in motorcycle races and coaching his son on a developing racing career of his own. Reports now suggest that Hollywood is offering Schumi a film on his life and career.
According to reports, Schumacher himself could star in the film, while Bruce Willis has also been attached to the project to play race commentator Murray Walker. It wouldn't be Schumacher's first foray into film, following his cameos in kids' movies like Asterix and Pixar's Cars. Although Schumacher has yet to accept the offer, his longtime manager Willi Weber has confirmed that it's under consideration. If the project gets the green light, it could turn out to be the biggest racing film since Steve McQueen's Le Mans.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport, Photo by Doug Benc/Getty]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Schwag of Tulsa @ May 3rd 2008 9:17AM
I'm an F1 fan and I have one word to say to anyone who thinks a Hollywood movie about Schumacher is a good idea: 'Driven'.
It's the only movie that ever made me actually vomit. I gagged when I saw Divine chow on a dog turd in 'Pink Flamingos' but 'Driven' actually made me blow chunks. (It was a press conference scene of all things - senseless swoopy camera movement.)
GT @ May 3rd 2008 5:41PM
What would be more hilarious is if he starred in the next fast and the furious movie XD
f3rg @ May 3rd 2008 9:18AM
I've been a fan of Schumacher ever since I discovered F1 back in '98, and I really wish he was still racing for Ferrari. F1 is just not the same without him.
With that said, I can't imagine this movie would be at all interesting except for the whole "wow, look how rich people live!" aspect, which still doesn't appeal to me much.
Sam @ May 3rd 2008 9:20AM
Nice pants
caseyg83 @ May 4th 2008 1:35AM
somebody should tell him danica is the only driver ever to look good in leather pants
MajorGeek @ May 3rd 2008 9:24AM
Sorry to disappoint, dont watch F1, dont know anyone who does, never heard of him. Seems to be staying out of the limelight just fine. I assume I will now proceed to forget about this as well.
"Michael Schumacher has remained a high-profile celebrity, often despite his best attempts to stay out of the limelight. "
Itsuru @ May 3rd 2008 10:08AM
Let's hope they're not making this movie for you and the people you know then.
Perhaps it's for the millions who do watch Formula 1 though.
MajorGeek @ May 3rd 2008 10:11AM
Point was, thats not a high profile celebrity. Not even close.
Andrew @ May 3rd 2008 10:13AM
It's not that popular in the States, but still, you have to be living under a rock if you don't know who Schumacher is.
You know, outside of the states, where no one knows what Nascar is, he's a household name.
MajorGeek @ May 3rd 2008 10:21AM
Again, they said Hollywood movie, etc., so I just assumed he was in or from the states.
Either way, those leather pants do nothing to help his hetrosexualness. Is he gay?
Schwag of Tulsa @ May 3rd 2008 10:24AM
As an F1 fan, I have to say MajorGeek hits the nail on the head.
Schumacher's favorite vacation destination is the US. Why? Because nobody knows who the heck he is. He's just a relatively anonymous German tourist.
F1 isn't big in America like it is in Europe or the rest of the world. I've been to 5 USGPs and can tell you at least half the crowd came from overseas for the cheap tickets.
Parkerman @ May 3rd 2008 11:49AM
If you are on Autoblog.. How the hell do you not know who he is?
And no, he is not gay, he has a family.
iSpec @ May 3rd 2008 10:18AM
He'd never make it Nascar, what with the pants and all. Hilarious.
PartyBOY @ May 3rd 2008 10:21AM
Hey shumi, Nice leather Pants!....Retard
why not the LS2LS7? @ May 3rd 2008 11:31AM
Docudrama about a sports figure's life?
Times have changed. With all the media outlets we have now, this kind of thing goes to basic cable nowadays, not to movie theaters.
naggs @ May 3rd 2008 12:55PM
germans have to be the worst dressed people on the planet
ugg.tryptophan @ May 3rd 2008 8:58PM
just look at that shirt, 2 sizes too big
Dolemite @ May 3rd 2008 9:04PM
Well, when one makes $100 million a year while retired, I think one can get away with wearing whatever one wants.
Steve in TN @ May 3rd 2008 3:43PM
Some say "Le Mans" was the best racing film.
I have to disagree. "Grand Prix" with James Stewart to me is the best. The greatest racing scenes imaginable. The story is not the greatest, but who cars when you're in the driver's seat going through the tunnel at Monaco at 160 mph. Man, you think you're driving that '67 Ferrari F1. Rent it, you won't regret it.
Tom @ May 6th 2008 9:58PM
James Garner - not James Stewart.