Chappaquiddick: Jason Clarke to star as Ted Kennedy in upcoming film

Zero Dark Thirty star Jason Clarke is in final talks to play Senator Ted Kennedy in Chappaquiddick, a look at the infamous car crash that killed passenger Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969.

The Painted Veil director John Curran is also in final negotiations to direct. Fifty Shades of Grey’s Sam Taylor-Johnson was previously in talks to helm Chappaquiddick but departed the project due to scheduling issues with the Netflix series Gypsy.

Taylor Allen and Andrew Logan penned the 2015 Black List script for Chappaquiddick, which follows seven days in Kennedy’s life, including his involvement in that fatal car crash. The accident, which occurred on the eve of the moon landing, left the young Kennedy struggling with his own morality, as well as his family’s legacy and political ambitions.

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Apex Entertainment’s Mark Ciardi and Campbell McInnes are producing, with Chris Cowles and Chris Fenton executive producing. Chappaquiddick will begin shooting later this summer.

“Jason Clarke is the perfect choice to take on the complexities of this role,” Ciardi said in a statement. “He has unwavering passion and commitment to this project. We’re equally pleased to bring on John Curran to direct. John’s body of work speaks for itself, and he’s such a visionary filmmaker. We’re excited to begin work with both of them on this incredible project.”

Deadline first reported Clarke and Curran’s involvement.