Eric Bana is all set to make a movie about the life and spectacular comeback story of Mike “The Bike” Hailwood.
Arguably the finest racer of all time, Hailwood retired from racing bikes at his career peak in 1967 after 12 victories at the Isle of Man TT. He set out to take back his crown in 1978, aboard a Ducati. Against the odds.
Bana, a known motorcycle enthusiast and Ducatiphile, will play Hailwood. He’s also writing the script and he will co-direct the film with Robert Connolly of Arenamedia.
The Hailwood story is magnificent. Forty-two years ago, Mike “The Bike” Hailwood stunned the motorcycling world when he emerged from 11 years of self-imposed retirement to win the Formula One TT at the Isle of Man on a specially prepared 883cc Ducati 900SS.
Hailwood, who once interrupted his own race to pull a burning competitor out of his blazing Formula One race car to save his life, would himself die tragically at age 40 along with his daughter, as a truck driver crashed into their vehicle as they headed to a restaurant.
Motor Sport magazine wrote, “He was and always will be the greatest motorcycle racer of all time. You cannot destroy a personality like Mike Hailwood by simply killing him.”
Bana’s directorial debut came on Love The Beast, which premiered at Tribeca in 2009. He is owner of production outfit Pick Up Truck Pictures. Co-director Connolly’s credits include the Oscar Isaac-starrer Balibo, and Paper Planes. The duo also collaborated on the Aussie film Romulus My Father.
Snag’s career in motoring journalism spans 29 years with stints at major bike mags Australian Road Rider, Motorcycle Trader and AMCN along with contributions to just about every other outlet worth a hill of beans. He was editor of Unique Cars magazine and hosts his legendary podcast ‘Snag Says’ when he gets off his date.
Simply Magic
He was going to get fish and chips but yes stunning racer
About time!
Yes he was and the lorry was doing an illegal “U” turn when Mike could not avoid him, a police officer estimated Mike’s speed at 50 mph on a 70 mph carraigeway. This film will be if researched correctly by speaking to the people who knew of Mike’s life will be a fitting tribute to a wonderful human and true sportsman.
I hope someone about the movie contacts ME…..I was kinda there !!! Alex J S George.
get em told alex
Eric, if you are going to do this well you absolutely have to get an expert rider who can replicate Hailwood’s style. He NEVER hung off the bike or wrestled with it. If your chosen rider does you will forever be laughed at by true SMBH enthusiasts. DO NOT DISAPPOINT US.
Finally a movie about the great motorcycle racer of all time I hope Eric Bana brings the magic Mike “the bike” Hailwood brought to the world of motorcycle racing to the big screen and does the Hailwood family proud – I’m part of the Hailwood family Michael Hailwood is my cousin.
It will be difficult , even for an actor as good as Eric Bana to play a man who was outwardly so modest yet inwardly so confident in his own ability. I remember a quiet moment on the start line at Mallory when Mike was riding the factory Honda 4, 500. We were all assembled and under starters orders, when Mike looked over his shoulder ; smiled and just said ‘ok, so who’s going to finish second. Also relaxing times with Mike in his apartment after a meeting at Brands Hatch, where Mike was a spectator (1969, I think). He had invited a couple of us back to ‘Hailwood Towers’, near Heathrow, for a drink and we sat and talked for ages about nothing in particular. Good times.
Just to correct the text. A truck driver didn’t crash into them. The truck driver performed an illegal u-turn on a dual carriageway. Hailwood and his two children were on their way to buy fish & chips at night and were unable to avoid colliding with the back of the truck. Hailwood and his daughter were killed, his little son survived.
Eric give me a shout if you need someone to carry your bags during filming.
A great subject for sure.
If you need any persona;l reflections and information, Mike, Bill Ivy and I were good friends in the late sixties when I was achieving good results on the English short circuits. We spent good times together after Mike and Bill spectated at Brands Hatch and other circuits, Pleased to be of help to add a little authenticity to the story line.
Cheers.
Brian kemp
Any updates on this project?