Gabriela Cowperthwaite is the phenomenal director behind the powerful documentary Blackfish, the true and controversial story of captivity of killer whales, and the problems that occur for both humans and whales. If you’ve not seen it yet, read our 5-star review here but just go and watch it now on the likes of Netflix.
Next up for Cowperthwaite is the big-screen adaptation and real-life story of hero Megan Leavey and her military combat dog Rex who, together, saved countless lives searching for roadside bombs during two tours in Iraq from 2004 to 2006. The script was written by Pamela Gray along with additional material from Annie Mumolo, Tim Lovestedt, and Jordan Roberts.
The excellent Kate Mara may not be seeing the best reviews for Fantastic Four – about the film not her – and we know she’s a top talent as her stunning performances in House of Cards goes to prove. This seems like a smart move for all involved with such a compelling story to tell.
Megan Leavey was a young Marine who turned her life around by enlisting in the K9 unit who was teamed with combat dog Rex. They formed a special bond and were deployed to Iraq as an elite bomb sniffing team and served two tours of duty and completed more than 100 missions, saving innumerable lives.
After she was wounded in combat, for which she received a Purple Heart, Megan was forced to retire. She spent the next five years waiting to adopt Rex, who remained on active duty. When he ended up on a list to be euthanized, Megan geared up for the fight of her life to bring the 11-year-old German shepherd home.
Principal photography will commence in October 2015 on the as-yet untitled film with a look to release the film in 2016.
