Kathryn Bigelow is on board to direct the big-screen adaptation of The True American: Murder and Mercy in Texas by Anand Giridharadas, whose screen rights were recently won by Megan Ellison‘s Annapurna Pictures in a heated bidding war.
True American arrived at the studios only last week, and by Friday, had offers from Warner Bros., New Regency and other companies, reports the Hollywood Reporter.
The repackaged deal from CAA reteams Annapurna with Bigelow, who directed the 2012 Oscar-nominated drama Zero Dark Thirty. Ellison will share production rights with Bigelow, while Annapurna’s Matthew Budman will executive produce.
The book, which hit bookshelves earlier this month, tells the true story of Raisuddin Bhuiyan, a Bangladeshi who had recently immigrated to the U.S. and was working in a mini-mart during 9/11. In the horrific days that followed, a man named Mark Stroman shot Bhuiyan and workers at other gas stations. Bhyian lived to tell his story, while others were not so lucky.
The writing of this book was cathartic to Bhuiyan, who fought to meet his shooter – who was sentenced with the death penalty – and forgive him. He then fought the state and the governor to have Stroman’s life spared.
Tom Hardy is attached to star in the project.
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