At one point it was hard for Kathryn Bigelow to find distribution for her films. That’s what happened when her $100 million would-be blockbuster tanked at the box office. However, one thrilling, Oscar-winning indie later and the major studios are all clawing at each others throats for the rights to her next movie. Of course, only one can emerge victorious, and Sony Pictures has announced that it will release the director’s forthcoming film.
The project was once called Kill Bin Laden and focused on a special ops team that planned to do just that. But in light of recent events which led to the actual death of the notorious terrorist, the title has been scrapped, but the story has never been more timely. That’s why Sony took the distribution rights to the film off the table as quickly as it could, hoping to bank on a picture that is sure to be as controversial as it is compelling.
The untitled thriller is being produced by Bigelow and Mark Boal, who wrote The Hurt Locker and won Oscars for it alongside the filmmaker, along with Greg Shapiro. It will likely shoot late in the summer for a fourth quarter 2012 release if all goes according to plan. Sony will likely give it a hearty marketing push, as it’s the first film from the duo since Locker and has plenty of commercial and awards-generating potential. Read on for a quote from Sony Pictures CEO and Co-Chariman Amy Pascal, who couldn’t be more excited to have this picture in her 2012 slate.
“With the death of Osama bin Laden this film could not be more relevant. Kathryn and Mark have an outstanding perspective on the team that was hunting the most wanted man in the world. Mark is second to none as an investigative journalist, and Kathryn will bring the same kind of compelling authenticity and urgency that distinguished The Hurt Locker and made that film so memorable and special.”
Source: Columbia Pictures
