Variety has some information about an upcoming film based on the life of Nolan Bushnell entitled “Atari.” Word is that Paramount has picked up the rights to the movie, with Leonardo DiCaprio attached to star and produce the biopic based on the Chuck E. Cheese and Atari founder. Variety has a little more on the history of the film, which has actually been bounced around production hell for a few years:

"Although Bushnell's life rights had long been pursued by various suitors, Hecker and Craig Sherman convinced the gaming pioneer that they could do his unique story justice. Bushnell and Ted Dabney founded Atari Inc. in 1972 and were instrumental in bringing arcade games, home vidgame [sic] consoles and home computers to the masses. Among the company's contributions was PONG and the Atari 2600."

The man’s impact on American culture isn’t being questioned or anything, I just can't imagine this movie being too exciting. Unlike the origins of Tetris, shrouded in conspiracy and communism, the Atari tale would be somewhat tame, as far as I know.

Gamervision is going to look a little deeper into this; I think I remember hearing that someone’s great uncle was related to someone who knew Nolan Bushnell, or something, so I am going to follow that up. 

[Via Variety] 

 
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