Ferrari director Michael Mann says he was interested in casting Adam Driver long before House of Gucci.
In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Mann delved into the extensive development journey of the Enzo Ferrari biopic, spanning decades. Despite Driver showcasing impressive Italian accent as Maurizio Gucci in House of Gucci, Mann’s decision to cast him was primarily influenced by the actor’s genuine real-world awareness.
“I met with him well before I saw House of Gucci. There’s a real-world, factual intelligence to Adam. He’s somebody who, in his own personal history, has lived life,” Mann said.
He continued, “I sense the strength and the artistic integrity coupled with a pretty fierce artistic ambition as an actor. It’s not political or charming, which I like a lot. It’s just there and strong. It felt to me that he would understand Enzo Ferrari. I mean, I’m trying to put into words what was a very powerful, intuitive realization I had when we were having drinks one night at the Chateau Marmont together and just talking about nothing. That’s when I thought he could be Enzo Ferrari.”
Under the direction of Mann and penned by Martin, Ferrari movie narrates the story of the entrepreneur grappling with the death of his son in 1957, his deteriorating marriage, the brink of bankruptcy in his business, and his relentless pursuit to secure victory for his racing team in the 1957 Mille Miglia. The cast features Driver in the lead role, supported by Penelope Cruz, Shailene Woodley, Jack O’Connell, and Patrick Dempsey.
The movie will hit theatres on 25 December.
