According to the Hollywood Reporter, Emile Hirsch has been cast as comedy legend John Belushi, in the Steve Conrad directed biopic simply named Belushi. Conrad’s film will follow the heights reached by Belushi’s comedic genius, as well as his self-induced downfall and eventual death at the hands of drugs and alcohol.

Hirsch undoubtedly has some ridiculously large shoes to fill. Considering the relative recency of Belushi’s body of work, easy access to his “Greatest Hits Clips” could render any missteps in portrayal by Hirsch as a fodder for tough critics. However, John Belushi’s friend and SNL co-star, Dan Aykroyd will serve as the film’s executive producer, which may alleviate audience’s worries at some extent or perhaps usher in a different set of uneasy feelings. Hopefully, we can expect an honest attempt from Aykroyd to tribute his dear friend on the silver screen, rather than another “the time is ripe” cash grab. Jim Carrey proved a similar feat possible with his portrayal of comic legend Andy Kaufman in Man on the Moon. Perhaps Hirsch should give him a call. Filming is set to start in New York early next year. 

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