HOLLYWOOD - From the talent that's bringing you Gangs of New York will come a biopic about the legendary Howard Hughes. Director Martin Scorsese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio will team up once again to make the $100 million-plus The Aviator, Variety reports.
The trade reports Hughes's obsessions with aviation, filmmaking and women fascinates Scorsese, whose film will begin as the eccentric young millionaire is directing one of his first movies, 1930's Hell's Angels (one of Scorsese's favorite films). Hughes, who was known for his perfectionism, would wait for the perfect conditions--even down to cloud formations--before filming.
The Aviator will end in 1946, as Hughes is romancing such actresses as Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn.
Miramax, Warner Bros. and independent production company Initial Entertainment Group will produce. With Miramax co-chairman Harvey Weinstein on board, perhaps the rumored conflicts with Scorsese over the costly Gangs have been quelled.
Film production for The Aviator will begin next May in Los Angeles with a planned release in fall 2004.