Nordling here.
Deadline is reporting that Paul Greengrass will bring his considerable talents to bear and tell the story of the Martin Luther King Jr. assassination next, in a film titled MEMPHIS. Greengrass will be both writing and directing the project, and the film will be produced by Scott Rudin.
The script, which takes place during the final days of King's life, has been around for a while, but funding has been secured and filming will start in June. It's unclear whether or not the film will follow King or the surrounding events of his death, and it's also unclear whether MEMPHIS will delve into the conspiracy theories surrounding King's murder. No casting has been announced, but now that filming will start soon that should only be a matter of time.
Considering how Greengrass has handled true event films before with BLOODY SUNDAY and UNITED 93, I'd be surprised if the film focuses on one character or storyline. Obviously this horrific event was a turning point for the United States, and I imagine Greengrass would want to cover as much ground as possible - King's life, James Earl Ray, and the events of the day. Very interested in this one, as UNITED 93 devastated me and I think is the definitive film version of the events of 9/11. I hope MEMPHIS will be just as definitive.
Nordling, out.
