Brian De Palma to direct Al Pacino in Joe Paterno flick

It was revealed in 2012 that Al Pacino would star as disgraced Penn State football coach Joe Paterno in an upcoming biopic. According to Deadline, Brian De Palma is now attached to direct the feature, titled Happy Valley.

De Palma and Pacino previously worked together on the gangster flicks Scarface and Carlito’s Way.

Dave McKenna (American History X) is in talks to write the script, based on Joe Posnanski’s book Paterno.

Paterno built one of the most remarkable college football programs in history, only to see his legacy destroyed when it was revealed he had helped hide his former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky’s sexual exploits with children.

Late last year, Paterno died of cancer. Penn State has since taken down the statue commemorating the man they once lovingly referred to as JoePa.

Sandusky is expected to serve a life sentence after being found guilty on 45 counts of child abuse.

It’s been a long time since De Palma and Pacino have done anything of real significance. Perhaps this collaboration will revitalise both careers.