Emile Hirsch has been confirmed to play John Belushi in an upcoming biopic about the late actor's life.
The Into the Wild actor was rumoured to be in the running to play the Saturday Night Live star, and Variety now reports that he has taken the lead role in Steve Conrad's untitled film.
The movie will chronicle the high points in Belushi's career, including The Blues Brothers, Animal House and Saturday Night Live.
Belushi died at the age of 33 in the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles following a drug overdose.
Nelson Franklin (New Girl, The Office) is being eyed to play Belushi's friend and collaborator Dan Ackroyd.
Ackroyd is on board as an executive producer while Belushi’s widow, Judy Belushi Pisano, is one of the producers.
The filmmakers are hoping to shoot in New York in spring 2014.
Hirsch will next be seen in the Bonnie and Clyde TV miniseries The Motel Life and the film Lone Survivor.
