Paul Dano to Play Steven Spielberg’s Father in the Upcoming Biographical Project

Steven Spielberg’s next project is coming along smoothly, as the director has drafted another impressive name to star in his semi-autobiographical picture based on his childhood growing up in Arizona. The film is co-written by Spielberg and his occasional writing partner Tony Kushner. 

Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen were already attached to portray the filmmaker’s mother and uncle, respectively, and now Paul Dano is joining them in the role of Spielberg’s father. 

Spielberg’s father, Arnold, has been well-established as a very important figure in the director’s life, as many of his films deal with absent or complicated father figures, and their relationships with their children. It will be very interesting to see how the film tackles the portrayal of the man, particularly as Amblin Partners has noted that, while based on Spielberg’s real father, the character in the film is merely inspired by him, and will have a “separate and original voice”. 

Dano hasn’t been seen on screen since 2017’s Okja, although he has two other projects already in post-production – The Batman, where he takes on the role of the Riddler, and The Guilty, a remake of the 2018 Danish film that will also star Jake Gyllenhaal, Ethan Hawke, and Peter Sarsgaard. 

Most recently, Dano made his directing debut with the acclaimed 2018 film Wildlife, which he also co-wrote with his partner Zoe Kazan. Perhaps the actor will pick up some directing tips as well while he’s portraying Spielberg’s father? Not that he needs them, as Dano is already a captivating artist both on and off screen.