Universal’s ‘Steve Jobs’ biopic set for October release

“Steve Jobs,” the long-gestating biopic about the late Apple co-founder from director Danny Boyle and writer Aaron Sorkin, will hit theaters Oct. 9, Universal announced Wednesday.

Starring Michael Fassbender in the title role, “Steve Jobs” is based on Walter Isaacson’s biography of the same name and will be set backstage at three product launches, ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac. The cast also includes Seth Rogen, Kate Winslet, Jeff Daniels and Katherine Waterston.

Along with the high caliber of talent involved, the fall release date indicates that Universal has awards aspirations for the film, which started principal photography in San Francisco last week.

Since the project originated at Sony in 2011, it has endured a series of false starts and setbacks, including budget disagreements and a tumultuous search for a lead actor to play Jobs (Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale were among those who circled but passed). Sony ultimately put the project in turnaround in November, after which Universal picked it up.

With an Oct. 9 release date, “Steve Jobs” is currently slated to open against Disney’s Coast Guard drama “The Finest Hours,” Warner Bros.’ “Vacation” reboot and Relativity’s thriller “Kidnap.”

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