With the news that a biopic about Aussie icon Steve Irwin is ‘gaining momentum’ in Hollywood, there are already whispers as to who could be set to play the beloved Croc Hunter.
According to Woman’s Day, homegrown stars Chris Hemsworth and Russell Crowe have come up as potential options to play Irwin, though the publication states that family matriarch Terri Irwin is keen on Lincoln Lewis to play the late legend.
The 33-year-old – whose blonde locks and cheeky grin bear a resemblance to Steve’s – is best known for his role as Home and Away as well as his work in feature films such as Tomorrow, When the War Began, Spin Out and Aquamarine.
According to the mag, the biopic will see Terri and Bindi Irwin heavily involved in the film throughout the entire creative process.
“There’s no way this project can go ahead without Terri and Bindi Irwin being involved every step of the way,” a well-placed source reportedly said.
“Any script that can be filmed Down Under is automatically top of the pile right now – and Hollywood bosses love Steve’s life story,” the source continued.
“The family will want Aussie actors for the film, which will pretty much tell Steve’s life story.
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“And the end will include real footage of the family as they are now. It’s a project they’ve considered before, but now they’re finally ready to give it the green light.”
After hearing reports that he was Terri’s top choice to play the huge role, Lincoln Lewis himself immediately jumped on Twitter to say he’d be beyond keen to take on the role of one of Australia’s most-loved figures.
So honored @TerriIrwin said such a lovely thing 💙
Steve has always been a massive hero of mine & I’ve always said if I’m ever lucky enough to portray someone, the dream would be the great Steve Irwin!
Fingers crossed I’ll get an audition 🤞🏼🤞🏼https://t.co/QGZAnIyaoT— Lincoln Lewis (@linc_lewis) May 3, 2021
“So honoured @TerriIrwin said such a lovely thing,” he wrote.
“Steve has always been a massive hero of mine & I’ve always said if I’m ever lucky enough to portray someone, the dream would be the great Steve Irwin!
“Fingers crossed I’ll get an audition.”
Lewis made headlines last year after he spoke out about a horrifying ordeal in which his identity was stolen and used to catfish unsuspecting women who believed they were in a relationship with the actor.
The woman created several fake online personas that she used to harass and torment her victims over several years, which eventually lead to tragedy when one of the victims – Lewis’ childhood friend – took her own life when she discovered the truth.
Despite finding himself in a gravely dark place, Lewis later overhauled his body and mind and spoke out about the traumatic experience.
“Setting a massive goal, realigning my focus & completely changing my entire eating plan to keep the body and mind clear, clean & working properly. Something that would set the pace for what’s been achieved,” he wrote on Instagram at the time.
“Never forget — You’re NEVER alone, there’s always those that care & wanting what’s best for you & it’s NEVER weak to speak.”
