Oscar-nominated Paul Giamatti (Cinderella Man), Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade) and Oscar nominee Jacki Weaver (Animal Kingdom) have signed on to the John F. Kennedy feature film Parkland. Playtone partners Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman are producing in association with Exclusive Media, who will also be financing, It was announced today by Exclusive Media Co-Chairmen Nigel Sinclair and Guy East.
As part of the production deal, Exclusive Media has optioned the rights to the book, which provides the source material for the film the epic “Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy,” by renowned author and former prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi. The work was published in 2007 by W.W. Norton & Company and won the 2008 Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime. Bugliosi, a three time Edgar Award winner, also wrote the number one New York Times bestsellers; Helter Skelter, And The Sea Will Tell and Outrage.
The adapted screenplay is written by Peter Landesman, who will also direct Parkland as his directorial debut. The film recounts the dramatic true story of the chaotic events that occurred at Parkland Hospital in Dallas on the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. Parkland will be shot in Austin, Texas and is destined for a 2013 US theatrical release around the 50th anniversary of the assassination.
Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman are two exceptional producers with great taste so we are delighted to be collaborating with them on this fascinating film about such a significant chapter in American history, said Nigel Sinclair and Guy East. Paul, Billy Bob and Jacki are perfectly cast to bring Vincents book to life. Its the definitive account of the untold events that took place in Parkland Hospital on that infamous day its a unique and compelling story and Peters adaptation is remarkable.
Matt Jackson, Exclusive Medias Head of US Production, will oversee the production on behalf of the company. Exclusive Media will handle the worldwide distribution rights to the film that will be introduced to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market by Alex Walton, Exclusive Medias President of International Sales and Distribution.
(Photo Credit: Dan Jackman / Joseph Marzullo / WENN.com)
