Orlando Bloom is reportedly being eyed up to play Tiger King-turned-felon Joe Exotic in a new movie based on the hit real-life Netflix series.
Released last month, ‘Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness’ follows the exploits of Joe, a prolific tiger breeder, who ran a popular illegal zoo in Oklahoma.
While the tiger lover was sentenced to 22 years in jail for plotting to kill an animal rights activist and other wildlife violations, the shocking program was an instant hit with fans amid the coronavirus lockdown.
According to sources, producers at 20th Century Fox are in the early stages of planning a movie based on the series, and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ star Bloom is reportedly producers’ top choice for the leading role.
“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,” a movie insider said.
“The popularity of the series has been unprecedented and they think a film about it could be even more dramatic. The film could shed light on some details behind the scenes that were not shown in the Netflix series …. They think he could really bring Joe to life on screen.”
Tiger King directors claim to have recently spoken to Joe in prison, where he said he thought Brad Pitt or David Spade would be best suited to the role, while his ex-husband John Finlay tipped Shia LaBeouf or Channing Tatum for the part.
The movie won’t be the only spin-off based on the hit show – a TV series is already in development in the U.S. focusing on Joe’s adversary, animal rights activist Carole Baskin, who will be played by Ghostbusters actress Kate McKinnon.
We also hear Rob Lowe is also plotting a project inspired by the docu-series, and is re-teaming with his ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’ creator to work on the show.
Meanwhile, the Investigation Discovery channel has ordered a “definitive sequel” to the show, titled ‘Strange World of Joe Exotic,’ which will be told from Joe’s point of view alone and will explore whether Baskin was involved in the disappearance of her second husband Don Lewis – something which she denies even after so many believe it was indeed her doing.
