They dished it out. The inevitable question is can they take it? It’s one that’s about to be answered as politically aware poster “boy” George Clooney prepares to wield the megaphone for HACK ATTACK, an adaptation of journalist Nick Davies’ book. The snappily-titled true story of the News International phone hacking scandal, this will see a warts-on-top-of-more-warts-and-all dissection of the media furore that brought down the News Of The World, as well as prosecuting former editor and spin doctor Andy Coulson. With the dust just settling on this saga of manipulation and circulation, the story has been recently covered on stage via the play Great Britain starring Billie Piper and should make electrifying viewing. Clooney, who received an apology from The Daily Mail earlier this year, is no stranger to press intrusion himself and it’ll be interesting to see which will rule between his heart and head. He issued the following statement:
This has all the elements – lying, corruption, blackmail – at the highest levels of government by the biggest newspaper in London. And the fact that it’s true is the best part. Nick is a brave and stubborn reporter and we consider it an honor to put his book to film.
There are certainly a vivid cast of characters to put on screen, from editor Rebekah Brooks, through Number 10 employee Coulson, not to mention the man around whom the sharks swam, one Rupert Murdoch. Clooney has proved himself an astute commentator on journalistic moraes with GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK, though THE MONUMENTS MEN was a bit of a disappointment. Having said that, HACK ATTACK is a juicy prospect and the fusion of Brit grit with a Hollywood approach is bound to result in something worth talking about.
Clooney will produce with regular collaborator Grant Heslov under their Smokehouse Pictures label for Sony Pictures Entertainment/Columbia Pictures.
Source: ComingSoon
