First Look: Anthony Hopkins as Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock had such a recognizable side profile that the Master of Suspense’s facial sketch became the universal logo for his television series and later movies. When we learned Sir Anthony Hopkins would play Hitchcock in a pending biography, we had little doubt he could inhabit the director’s mannerisms, but we were curious how he’d mirror the rotund filmmaker’s face. A new photo eases our fears.

Hopkins brazenly assumes that familiar side pose in this first image (via People) of him in character for ‘Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of “Psycho,”’ an upcoming drama that will be directed by Sacha Gervasi (‘Anvil’). Working from the thorough book by Stephen Rebello, Gervasi has cast Scarlett Johansson as Janet Leigh, Jessica Biel as Vera Miles, and James D’Arcy as Norman Bates himself, Anthony Perkins.

And, of course, Hopkins as Hitch.

We’re seeing a number of Oscar-worthy talents tackling silver screen icons, whether it be Michelle Williams playing Marilyn Monroe or Toby Jones assuming the Hitchcock role in a rival production. With any luck, that means a George Clooney-led Cary Grant biopic is on the horizon, followed by Brad Pitt in a Robert Redford film.

Gervasi’s ‘Hitchcock’ movie doesn’t have a release date yet, but we’ll report it as soon as it’s announced. In the meantime, here’s Hopkins as Hitch. What do you think?