Star Wars actor Temuera Morrison is in line to play Eddie Jones in a movie about Japan's shock win over South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
In was heralded as arguably the greatest upset in World Cup history, Japan scored a last-minute try to dispatch the Springboks in Brighton back in September 2015. Kyodo News is now reporting a movie is in the pipeline, with filming set to start in January.
The movie is set to be led by Max Mannix, who directed 'Rain Fall', with Morrison in line to play Jones. New Zealander Morrison starred as Jango Fett in 'Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones' and Commander Cody in 'Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith'. He also voiced Chief Tui in Disney hit Moana.
Sam Neill, of Jurassic Park fame, is teed up to play Jones' father, Ted, with the film including background on Jones' upbringing and path to the win with Japan in Brighton. Youki Kudoh is due to play Jones' mother, Nellie, with Mariko Tsutsui playing Jones' wife Hiroko.
"What Eddie Jones and his team did in 2015 was truly magnificent and worthy of being remembered," Mannix told Kyodo News. "The story goes beyond rugby in the same way Chariots of Fire wasn't just about running. That was more a film about the distinction between class, belief and religion.
"No one gave the Japan team a chance against South Africa, who at the time were the most successful World Cup team in history. The result was celebrated around the world. What I want to do is try and show why it happened and where did the self-belief come from."
Jones' immediate focus is on guiding England through the forthcoming autumn internationals which start with a Test against South Africa on Nov. 3. It is understood he has had no input in the film to date.