James Dean biopic in works on his alleged romance with writer William Bast

Late Hollywood icon and actor James Dean's new biopic based on writer William Bast's memoir is in the works. The film will reportedly throw some spotlight on his alleged romance with the author.

In Short

• Biopic on James Dean's personal life in works
• Guy Guido to direct, based on William Bast's memoir
• Earlier, James Franco played Dean in the 2001 TV movie

Hollywood icon James Dean's personal life will presumably be explored in a film that will be adapted from writer William Bast's memoir, Surviving James Dean, reported The Hollywood Reporter.

Writer and filmmaker Guy Guido has acquired the rights to late author William Bast’s memoir. Guido is yet to finalise the casting for the same.

As per reports, Bast described Dean as a lover who he met at age 19. Bast claimed that their relationship developed from being roommates to eventually becoming lovers. Bast had also claimed that he and Dean kept their relationship secret to protect Dean's image and career.

James Dean died in 1995. He was 24. His two classics, Giant and Rebel Without a Cause, were released posthumously.

“I have been a fan and historian of James Dean since I was 18 years old, so I knew about his ‘friend’ Willie, even when information about their relationship was straight-washed by the Hollywood machine. As a filmmaker, I love telling the story of a celebrity’s life in their coming-of-age period. As a gay man, I was particularly drawn to Bast’s unique story,” director Guy Guido was quoted as saying by THR.

Previously, actor James Franco played the late star in the 2001 TV movie James Dean.