Christian Bale Reportedly Drops Out Of Steve Jobs Biopic

Christian Bale was allegedly very close to inking a deal to play the co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs, in what is expected to be one of the most anticipated biopics in recent memory, but the British actor has reportedly exited the production.

Sony's forthcoming untitled flick, which is expected to focus on the launches of Apple's original Macintosh computer (1984), NeXT Cube (1990), and original iPod (2001), eyed Bale to play the lead role but according to The Hollywood Reporter, he dropped out due to feeling he was not right for the part.

British filmmaker Danny Boyle will direct the biopic, based on Walter Isaacson's book and adapted into a screenplay by Aaron Sorkin, which Scott Rudin, Mark Gordon and Guymon Casady will be producing.

More: Christian Bale And Wife Sibi Subtly Have Their Second Baby

Only a matter of weeks ago, Sorkin appeared on Bloomberg TV and confirmed Bale landed the role. "We needed the best actor on the board in a certain age range and that's Chris Bale," the writer said at the time. "He didn't have to audition. Well, there was a meeting."

The premise of the movie follows Jobs preparing for three presentations throughout his life that were pivotal moments for himself and the technological company's success.

Boyle is expected to arrive in Los Angeles later this week to discuss possible roles with actors and actresses. Seth Rogen is already in discussions to portray the other co-founder Steve Wozniak, but no official casting announcement has yet been made.

More: Warner Bros Call Disney's 'Jungle Book' Cast and Raise Them Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett

Losing Bale will be a huge blow for Sony as the film studio is hoping the biopic will become a major awards contender.