ESPN Joins Redford for Jackie Robinson Movie

ESPN Films announced today that it’ll co-produce with Robert Redford a theatrical movie about Brooklyn Dodgers star Jackie Robinson.

Redford has been working on the project for several years. He’ll play Branch Rickey, the team’s general manager and the force behind the success of the black baseball player.

Attached to direct is Thomas Carter, whose credits include Coach Carter, Save the Last Dance, and scores of TV shows dating back to The White Shadow (remember that show, starring Ken Howard?) and Hill Street Blues.

The as-yet-untitled movie has the blessing of Rachel Robinson (Jackie Robinson’s widow), as well as Branch Rickey, Jr.

Image: Robert Redford, Lions for Lambs, MGM Home Entertainment, 2007