Universal Studios takes over Steve Jobs biopic, Michael Fassbender to star

Following Sony's surprise exit from Academy Award-winning screenwriter Aaron Sorkin's film about Apple cofounder Steve Jobs, Universal Studios has reportedly picked up the project with actor Michael Fassbender tapped to take on the lead role.

As rumored last week when Sony dropped backing for the project, Universal has taken the reins of the film based on Walter Isaacson's biography "Steve Jobs," reports Variety. A subsequent report from The Hollywood Reporter claims Universal paid $30 million for the opportunity.

Reportedly joining Sorkin are director Danny Boyle and actor Michael Fassbender, who will play the lead role of Jobs. Seth Rogen is also said to be taking part in the project as Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak.

Sony first bought the rights to Isaacson's biography shortly after Jobs died in 2011 and Sorkin finished the script earlier this year, though the project is seemingly having trouble keeping directors and lead actors.

Director David Fincher was initially slated to direct, but pulled out of talks in April. A number of big-name actors have also been attached to the film, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale, both of whom passed on playing Jobs.

During an interview that aired earlier this month, Sorkin said the film would not be a sweeping biopic, but will instead focus on a segment of Jobs' life told through his relationships with coworkers and loved ones. It was later revealed that Jobs' daughter Lisa will play a crucial role in the film.