Filmmaker-author Dito Montiel is set to direct the biopic of legendary actor, writer and director Gene Wilder. Aimee Schoof, Megan Freels Johnston and Isen Robbins of Intrinsic Value Films and Josh Kesselman of Mgmt Entertainment will produce the film.
Wilder, a two-time Oscar and Golden Globe nominee, is immortalised in his performances in films such as the original Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, The Producers, Young Frankenstein, and Blazing Saddles. The upcoming film will explore his emergence from a shy young theatre actor to becoming a unique comedic voice, while also recounting his personal struggles and relationships.
Montiel said that he couldn't say no to the film as he felt Gene Wilder was "one of those rare people who was somehow funnier and sadder than everyone else in the room at the same time. That's not a character. That's a life."
Montiel made his debut with A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (2006) and followed it up with Fighting (2009), The Son of No One (2011), Empire State (2013), Boulevard (2014), Man Down (2015), The Clapper (2017), Critical Thinking (2020) and Riff Raff (2024).
