Kumail Nanjiani And Mark Ruffalo In Talks To Star in Adaptation Of “The True American”
Fresh off his well deserved Academy Award nominations- Kumail Nanjiani is ready to tackle a new project. However, this time it will not be a comedy and he will share the screen with another humble star. You will probably first be upset that this is not a comedy when you find out this other star is none other than Mark Ruffalo, but these feelings will turn into excitement when you find out the true nature of this project. It is always great to see actors who know how to make us laugh expose their vulnerabilities to a drama. Ruffalo is no stranger to this with films like Foxcatcher in his resume. He will now take on a more serious note alongside Nanjiani with The True American.
The Tracking Board is reporting that the two are in current talks to lead the film adaptation for Annapurna Pictures. The film is based on the 2014 novel The True American: Murder and Mercy in Texas written by Indian-American author Anand Giridharadas. Set in Texas post 9/11, the novel tells the true story of Rais Bhuiyan- a Muslim Air Force veteran who survived an attack by the notorious “9/11 revenge” killer Mark Stroman. This is not only a story of survival, but forgiveness as well. Bhuiyan would learn to forgive his attacker and go on to advocate for his life while Stroman sat on death row. He felt that capital punishment was not the right way for this confused soul.
The role of Bhuiyan would go to Nanjiani and Ruffalo would portray Stroman. Kathryn Bigelow was set to direct but has now taken the role of producer alongside Megan Ellison and Matthew Budman from Annapurna. Pablo Larraín is now set to direct and he will also be bringing in brother and longtime co-producer Juan de Dios Larraín. The Chilean duo has been making their stamp on Hollywood, more recently with 2016’s Jackie. Watching this film specifically should give you an idea of the visual style and aesthetic approach that Larraín applies to re-telling history. Excited to see what Ruffalo and Nanjiani bring to the table under Larraín’s direction? If you then discuss your hype in the comments below! If you are not sold yet, then talk to those in the comments and get sold.
Source: The Tracking Board
