Glen Powell and Richard Linklater Collaborate on Gehrig Biopic
WHO:
Variety - Glen Powell and Richard Linklater are collaborating on a Lou Gehrig film.
Deadline - Glen Powell will play the iconic New York Yankee Lou Gehrig.
Deadline - Richard Linklater is attached to direct the film.
Deadline - Simon Rich is writing the screenplay.
Variety - Lorne Michaels is producing the film.
WHAT:
MLB.com - Babe Dahlgren, who replaced Gehrig as the Yankees’ first baseman on May 2, 1939, is said to have an important role in the film.
MLB.com - Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 1939 and retired later that year. He passed away on June 2, 1941.
MLB.com - June 2 is now annually recognized as Lou Gehrig Day across Major League Baseball.
MLB.com - Glen Powell has played main roles in major blockbusters, including 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick” and 2024’s “Twisters.”
Variety - The film will focus on Lou Gehrig's life as the "Pride of the Yankees."
Deadline - Glen Powell is a lifelong Yankee fan, which adds personal significance to his role as Lou Gehrig.
Variety - The film is untitled and focuses on Lou Gehrig, a Hall of Famer known for his durability and endurance.
Deadline - Glen Powell and Richard Linklater previously collaborated on the film "Everybody Wants Some!" in 2016.
WHERE:
Variety - The film is being produced by Universal Pictures.
WHY:
Deadline - The collaboration is a reunion after their successful previous project, indicating a strong working relationship and shared interest in sports narratives.
HOW:
Variety - The film will be developed under Universal Pictures, with a focus on the life and career of Lou Gehrig.
(UPDATED July 22, 2026 22:21 UTC)
Babe Dahlgren, who took over as the Yankees' first baseman when Lou Gehrig was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in 1939, is set to play a significant role in an upcoming film. Gehrig, who retired later that same year, passed away on June 2, 1941, a date now commemorated as Lou Gehrig Day across Major League Baseball. Actor Glen Powell, known for his leading roles in hits like "Top Gun: Maverick" and the upcoming "Twisters," is also involved in this project.
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(UPDATED July 22, 2026 20:24 UTC)
A new film will spotlight Lou Gehrig's life, celebrating his legacy as the "Pride of the Yankees." Glen Powell, who has been a lifelong Yankee fan, will take on the role of Gehrig, bringing a personal touch to the character. This project promises to resonate deeply with both baseball enthusiasts and fans of Gehrig's inspiring story.
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(UPDATED July 22, 2026 18:21 UTC)
Glen Powell is set to portray the legendary New York Yankee Lou Gehrig in an untitled film directed by Richard Linklater, with Simon Rich writing the screenplay and Lorne Michaels producing. This project marks a reunion for Powell and Linklater, who previously collaborated on the 2016 film "Everybody Wants Some!" The film, which will be developed under Universal Pictures, aims to highlight Gehrig's remarkable durability and endurance as a Hall of Famer.