Hapless ski-jumper's story will be told

Steve Coogan is to play Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards in a new biopic about the hapless ski-jumper.

The movie has been in the pipeline for years, but it will finally go into production in January, trade journal Variety has announced.

It will be directed by Declan Lowney, who has a strong record on TV comedies, including Little Britain, Father Ted and Happiness.

Edwards shot to fame at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada, when he became the first British skier to compete in the sport – and came last in both the 70m and 90m events. He was a plasterer when he qualified – and admitted he was scared of heights.

Coogan told Variety: ‘His story is a very British story, and he is a very British kind of hero. When I read the story, I found it funny but, more surprisingly, quite moving. Quirky, dysfunctional, slightly nerdy, but his balls must be made of titanium.’

The film does not yet have a title, and is being written by Sean Macaulay from an original draft by Simon Kelton.

Published: 8 Aug 2007