Michael Phelps' Olympic triumphs are the talk of the town these days, the most attention Olympic swimming has received in America since Mark Spitz set the original record 36 years ago in Munich.
And just two days after the Beijing closing ceremonies, Phelps is wasting no time capitalizing on his success. Variety reports that Phelps has just inked a deal with Simon and Schuster to pen a telling of his exploits entitled Built to Succeed. The book will have a quick turnaround, with a Holiday 2008 release planned.
Considering the ratings success of the Beijing Olympics coupled with the likely bestseller status of Phelps' forthcoming memoir, how long will it be before Hollywood comes calling?
The main thing going against a potential Phelps movie is swimming's less-than-stellar history on the big screen. 2003's Swimming Upstream, starring Geoffrey Rush and Judy Davis, scored strong reviews but disappeared from theaters quicker than a 4 X 100. Other entries include the critically maligned thriller Swimfan and Burt Lancaster's 1968 flick The Swimmer. M. Night Shyamalan's Lady in the Water isn't exactly about swimming, but it did give the pool a bad rap.
Should a Phelps movie ultimately happen, we have a few suggestions for casting. As '70s Spitz, we pick Matthew McConaughey. Considering his proclivity for topless status and proper physique, he's just one 'stache away from the perfect look. If Matt doesn't want to don old-age makeup to play present-day Spitz, we suggest Robert Redford. And for Phelps? Well, if Phelps has the acting chops, why not let him play the part himself? But since Tinseltown will probably want a star for the lead, we pick Joaquin Phoenix.