With the popularity of Tiger King soaring, and the internet currently awash with memes, spin-off documentaries and interviews with the show’s stars, it comes as no surprise a film could well happen.
The seven-part docuseries follows Joseph Maldonado-Passage – aka Joe Exotic – and his long-running feud with nemsis Carole Baskin as well as his off-the-wall antics at his G.W Zoo in Oklahoma.
While the show only launched on Netflix last month, the documentary has quickly turned into a pop culture phenomenon – and film companies want in.
According to sources, 20th Century Fox want the rights for a film adaptation and they’re hoping to get it up and running once the coronavirus pandemic has passed.
A Tiger King film could be given the green light, it has been reported (Image: Brentwood Gazette)
While nothing has been agreed currently, the film bigwigs are hoping Orlando Bloom will portray the role of zany wildlife owner Joe.
“All filming is on lockdown at the moment but the studios are exploring projects they can get going on as soon as possible and they think Tiger King is the perfect story,” an insider told The Sun.
“Discussions about a movie have only just started but they believe the idea has legs, especially if they get a big star like Orlando on board. They think he could really bring Joe to life on screen.”
Film execs are hoping Orlando Bloom will portray Joe Exotic in the big-screen flick (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
However, the Pirates of the Caribbean star wouldn’t be the ideal actor to portray Joe, as the Tiger King himself has other ideas.
Documentary filmmakers Eric Goode and Rebecca Chaikin, who have been in touch with the star while he’s behind bars, revealed the 57-year-old has two American guys in mind.
“He would like Brad Pitt or David Spade to play him,” Rebecca told The Hollywood Reporter.
The Tiger King himself hopes Brad Pitt would play him in a movie (Image: NetFlix)
Joe is currently serving 22-years behind bars after he was found guilty of 17 accounts of animal abuse, along with two counts of murder for hire.
However, Joe has since told Netflix that he is “done with the Carole Baskin saga” and is looking ahead to being released from prison.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
