Deadline reports that Mr. Robot creator Sam Esmail and Emmy-winning star Rami Malek are reteaming for Universal Pictures’ American Radical, based on the book American Radical: Inside the World of an Undercover Muslim FBI Agent written by Tamer Elnoury and Kevin Maurer that Universal has optioned the rights for.
Elnoury is a longtime undercover agent and active Muslin who joined the elite counter-terrorism unit after Sept. 11. In his book, he reveals his experience about infiltrating and bringing down a terror cell stateside, running up against the clock to foil them, with worn techniques which still entail listening, recording, and proving terrorist intent.
Esmail is set to direct and produce with Malek headlining the film. American Radical is currently in development and a writer is being sought for the project.
Malek’s upcoming slate includes the remake of Papillon, which will release in theaters on August 24, and Bohemian Rhapsody where Malek channels his inner Freddie Mercury in the docudrama debuting on November 2.
Esmail is currently directing and executive producing the half-hour drama series Homecoming starring Julia Roberts, Bobby Cannavale, Stephan James, Alex Karpovsky, and Shea Whigham for Universal Cable Productions/Amazon. He will then return to production on Mr. Robot season 4.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
