Way back in March, we reported thatMargot Robbiehad come aboard to play controversial figure skaterTonya Hardingin the upcoming biopicI, Tonya. But we haven’t heard much else about the project since then. Today, we have word that production is already under way, with the first set photos surfacing, which showMargot Robbie’s transformation intoTonya Harding, as she bears a striking resemblance to the skater. The actress was seen sporting a 1990s look, wearing a sweater and high-waisted retro jeans.
TMZdebuted these photos, although it wasn’t specified where exactly filming is taking place on thisupcoming biopic.I, Tonyapeels back the layers ofTonya Harding’s sensationalized involvement in the 1994 attack on rival figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, exposing the absurd, tragic and hilarious story-behind-the-story of one of the most infamous scandals in the history of Olympic Games figure skating. Aside fromMargot Robbie, the production has put together a talented supporting cast as well.
Sebastian Stanhas come aboard to playJeff Gilooly,Tonya Harding’s ex-husband, withAllison JanneyportrayingTonya Harding’s motherLaVonna GoldenandPaul Walter HauserplayingShawn Eckhardt,Tonya Harding’s bodyguard.Jeff GilloolyandShawn Eckhardthired hitmanShane Stantto breakNancy Kerrigan’s right leg, so she would not be able to compete at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. The attack did not go as planned, though, andNancy Kerriganonly suffered a bruise, and recuperated in time for the Olympic games.Nancy Kerriganwon the silver medal at the Olympics, whileTonya Hardingfinished in eighth place.
Last month Miramax acquired US distribution rights toI, Tonya, the incredible true life story of controversial figure skater Tonya Harding withMargot Robbiestarring as Harding andCraig Gillespiedirecting. The edgy comedy will be produced byBryan Unkelessfor Clubhouse Pictures,Margot RobbieandTom Ackerleyfor LuckyChap Entertainment andSteven Rogers, who also wrote the screenplay.Len BlavatnikandAviv Giladiwill executive produce for AI Film, which is financing the project.Rosanne Korenbergwill oversee the project for Miramax.
Miramax has yet to set arelease dateforI, Tonyaat this time, but depending how long production is scheduled for, the studio could possibly get an Oscar-qualifying run in forI, Tonyaby this December, but it’s too early to tell at this point. It’s also worth noting that the Winter Olympics will return in 2018, with PyeongChang, South Korea hosting the games. It’s possible that this biopic could be time to coincide with the Olympic Games, but that release plan has not yet been confirmed. Take a look at the first set photos fromI, Tonyabelow.
