Actor Michael Douglas is confirmed to play Liberace in a biopic based on the life of the famous pianist.

Steven Soderbergh is currently developing the project and has hired Richard LaGravanese to pen the script.

Liberace was a huge star in the 1950s/60s, famous for his lavish shows and glittery suits. Aside from his talent behind the piano, he was also in the spotlight for being known as the celebrity who successfully sued a British tabloid after it released he was gay. Throughout his life he refused to admit he was, indeed, homosexual until he was diagnosed with AIDS. He died from complications of the disease in 1987 at the age of 67.

Soderbergh’s most recent project, Guerilla, based on the life of Argentian revolutionary Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara, was also announced this morning to be picked up by IFC Films for distribution. He is also recognized as the brains behind the Oceans series, Erin Brockovich, Traffic and The Limey.

LaGravanese is known for writing the screenplays for films such as The Fisher King, The Ref, The Bridges of Madison County, Beloved and most recently Freedom Writers and P.S. I Love You.

No release date for the untitled Liberace biopic has been set as of yet.

By Tessa Petrocco (Source: WENN)