The Internet is currently abuzz over the first pictures of newcomer, Leonardo Lima Carvalho, as a young Pelé, in the Zimbalist Brothers’ 2014 biopic of the Brazilian legend and global soccer superstar. Filming on the streets of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – meant to stand in for Pele’s hometown of Sao Paulo – Carvalho plays the legend from ages 10 to 13 with fellow Brazilian, Kevin de Paula stepping in to portray the athlete during his momentous teen years (during which, he led Brazil to its first World Cup Victory in 1958, at the age of 17). Rounding out the cast are Vincent D’Onofrio, Rodrigo Santoro, Diego Boneta, Colm Meany, and a slew of talented Brazilian actors including Marianna Nunes, Milton Goncales, Rafael Henrique, and Marcus Vinicius.
Wildly considered to be the best footballer to ever play the game, Pelé reached the height of his popularity in the 1980’s and even starred in a slew of feature films (including John Houston’s 1981 Sly Stallone flick, Victory, and the 1986 cult soccer movie, Hotshot). But until now, no definitive version of the living legend’s life has ever made it to the bigscreen.
Jeff and Michael Zimbalist, brothers and filmmakers from Northampton, Massachusetts, might not have the same name recognition as their illustrious subject, but a quick glance at the writing/directing duo’s resume (which includes the award-winning documentaries Favela Rising and The Two Escobars) makes it quite clear that the two won’t shy away from the darker aspects of young Pelé’s life in the slums of Sao Paulo.
Imagine Entertainment’s Brain Grazer and Kim Roth will be producing the origin story along with Seine Pictures Ivan Orlic and Colin Wilson.