Kelso to play Jobs? Ashton Kutcher cast as Steve Jobs in biopic
In a move that drew attention from tech fans and movie buffs alike, American actor Ashton Kutcher was chosen to portray Steve Jobs in the biographical feature titled Jobs. Jobs, the cofounder of Apple who helped shape the Mac, iPhone, and other landmark devices, died in October 2011 at the age of 56. The film traces his life from a college dropout to the influential founder known for his signature turtleneck and relentless vision. The choice of Kutcher, widely recognized for playing Kelso on That 70s Show and for hosting Punk’d, sparked discussion about whether a familiar television face could convincingly embody Jobs’s complex public image. Observers noted that Kutcher’s resemblance and stage presence offered a plausible route to a credible portrayal of a tech pioneer. Production details followed, with industry reports indicating that filming would begin after the casting announcement and a projected release that excited fans of the Apple founder.
Jobs, who co-founded Apple and led the creation of devices that transformed personal computing and mobile communication, died in October 2011 at the age of 56. The film examines his early days as a college dropout and follows his ascent to becoming a central figure in a new era of technology, a man known for his minimalist style and relentless drive. The project generated broad interest because it revisits a well-known public figure whose work reshaped multiple industries.
Industry trade reports from the time noted that production was greenlit in the early 2010s and would begin in 2012, with a theatrical release aimed for the following year. Later, the film was released to audiences in 2013, bringing Jobs’s story to the screen and offering a modern lens on his achievements and flaws. Critics and viewers debated the authenticity of Kutcher’s portrayal and the film’s overall approach to chronicling Jobs’s life.
While Kutcher’s performing background includes television hits such as That 70s Show and memorable moments on Punk’d, the decision to cast him in the role prompted conversations about whether a TV star could capture the depth of Jobs’s personality and the subtleties of his leadership style. Supporters pointed to Kutcher’s willingness to study the role and his look that many felt could mirror the tech leader’s younger years, a time when Jobs was just beginning to shape the company that would become a global powerhouse.
The film Jobs follows Jobs’s life from early interests in electronics and calligraphy to his cofounding of Apple, the development of the Macintosh, and the emergence of the iPhone era. It delves into the personal and professional tensions that characterized Jobs’s career, including his famous attention to design and his demand for perfection. The narrative aims to balance public triumphs with private struggles, presenting a portrait of a man driven by a vision that reshaped consumer technology, media, and branding.
As the production and release of Jobs moved forward, audiences anticipated a cinematic interpretation that would honor Jobs’s impact while inviting critical reflection on his complex legacy. The biopic’s emergence reflected a broader fascination with the lives of technology pioneers and the stories behind the devices that connect the modern world. The conversation around Kutcher’s casting continued to evolve as viewers saw the film and weighed its portrayal against the broader arc of Steve Jobs’s influence on Apple and the tech landscape.