Columbia Pictures Acquires Somali Pirate Capture Story, Kevin Spacey to Produce
Posted 05.28.09 by reelz
The transition from current events to dramatic adaptations seems to move quicker and quicker these days. Both Variety and The Hollywood Reporter confirmed today that Columbia Pictures has acquired the rights to the life story of Richard Philips, the U.S. Navy captain whose ship was abducted by Somali pirates barely six weeks ago.
The movie will tell the story about the hijack, most likely with emphasis on Philips's surrendering himself to the pirates in order to save his crew. He was eventually rescued unharmed.
Kevin Spacey will produce, along with Scott Rudin, Michael DeLuca, and Dana Brunetti. No writers or actors are yet attached to the project. Columbia Studio Executive Doug Belgrad spoke to the press:
We were drawn to this remarkable story of heroism and courage as events were unfolding off the coast of Africa.
Columbia also gained the rights to Philips' upcoming memoir. No production schedule or release date has been announced for the movie.