The life of fundraising hero Captain Tom Moore is set to become a film
100-year-old Captain Tom Moore became an unlikely celebrity during the coronavirus pandemic, after he raised £38.9 million for the NHS by walking laps around his garden.
The rights to Tom's story was subject to a bidding war which was won by UK based Fred Films and Powder Keg Pictures. The film of his life has been fast-tracked to go into production in 2021.
As to who could play Captain Tom, the man himself has chipped in with a few ideas.
“I don’t know of any 100-year-old actors, but I’m sure Michael Caine or Anthony Hopkins could do a wonderful job if they were prepared to age up!” Moore said.
In a joint statement, writer-producers Nick Moorcroft and Meg Leonard added: “This is a story about the power of the human spirit and Captain Sir Tom personifies that."
"We are honoured to be telling this unique and inspiring story and are excited about audiences getting to know the man behind the headlines.” Producer James Spring added: “At a time of fear and uncertainty, 161 countries around the world embraced the beacon of hope that Captain Sir Tom provided. We are privileged that Tom and his family have entrusted us with their story."
Moore fought in World War II, serving in India, Burma (now part of Myanmar) and Sumatra.
He originally only aimed to raise £1000 for NHS Charities Together by walking around his garden 100 times, to mark his 100th birthday. But an outpouring of public support led to him eventually rasing nearly £40 million pounds.
Captain Tom went on to receive a knighthood from the Queen. He also recorded a cover of 'You'll Never Walk Alone,' which got to number one, beating Tom Jones as the oldest person to reach the top of UK singles charts.
