In June, multiple media outlets reported that HBO was producing an upcoming film focusing on the Jerry Sandusky sex scandal at Penn State with actor Al Pacino set to play former Penn State coach Joe Paterno.
We now have our first look at Pacino as the now-deceased football coach for the unnamed project directed by Barry Levinson, which is reportedly filming in New York City through September.
"After becoming the winningest coach in college football history, Joe Paterno is embroiled in Penn State's Jerry Sandusky sexual abuse scandal, challenging his legacy and forcing him to face questions of institutional failure on behalf of the victims." the movie's logline reads.
It's difficult to envision Pacino as Paterno when you first hear about it, but the visual is interesting. How the movie is received upon release will be even more fascinating. Overall, the early pulse from the college football community is that there's little excitement about it. That's understandable, given the subject matter and the story's recency.
