Washington, Jan 16 : Brad Pitt is the frontrunner to play Steve McQueen in a movie about the late actor''s life.

Hollywood producers Michael Cerenzie and Christine Peters have acquired the rights to Marshall Terrill''s recent biography `Steve McQueen: Portrait of an American Rebel', and are planning to begin shooting a biopic later this year.

And Pitt - who can currently be seen in new movie `The Curious Case of Benjamin Button' - is reportedly in line to star as the `Great Escape' actor.

"There are a number of actors being linked to the role of Steve McQueen but Brad is the frontrunner," the Sun quoted a movie insider, as saying.

"He not only has the right look and acting talent but he shares Steve''s love for fast cars and motorcycles," the insider added.

Steve died in 1980 from a heart attack following an operation to remove a cancerous tumour in his stomach. (ANI)