Steve Jobs movie starring Kutcher to focus on CEO's early years

(CNET) The upcoming biopic starring Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs will cover the Apple co-founder's early years, the film's producer said in an interview.

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The independent movie, which has the working title "Jobs: Get Inspired," will focus on Jobs' life from 1971 to 2000, Mark Hulme told Neowin magazine. The rookie producer said work on the movie's script, which is based on widely available information rather than a book, began when Jobs announced his retirement last August.

Kutcher was chosen for the role based on this physical resemblance to the late Apple executive during his younger years, Hulme said.

"When Ashton read the script he was immediately attracted to the project," Hulme said. "He is a Steve Jobs and Apple fan, and is technologically savvy, as well, so he recognized the historical importance of Steve Jobs and the potential of the project."

In addition to Kutcher, the film's producers are trying to cast "some exciting actors" to portray key figures in Jobs' early years (Steve Wozniak, John Scully, Mike Markkula, and Daniel Kottke), although Hulme declined to identify who they might be.

The movie, which was announced on April 1, is scheduled to begin filming in May in Los Angeles, with theatrical release expected in the fourth quarter this year.