It’s been nearly a decade since the September 11th attacks; which occurred back in 2001, brought down two historical New York landmarks, murdered thousands of people, and damaged The Pentagon; but now, US forces have led a mission which has reportedly seen Osama Bin Laden killed; a historic event which will resonate with millions of Americans, and undoubtedly be exploited by Hollywood.
The 9/11 attacks were an event that stunned the entire world, and now the man responsible has finally been killed by US soldiers it’s given millions of Americans cause for celebration (Times Square and The White House were flooded with people celebrating as soon as news emerged), and made two films currently in production some of the most timely in Hollywood’s history; as they both revolve around the hunt for Bin Laden.
Oscar-winning director Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker) is behind the first; which is an indie project revolving around a previous and unsuccessful mission to kill the man behind 9/11; courting Joel Edgerton (who will soon be seen in Warrior) for the lead role in the picture, which could presumably be easily updated to include details of the recent US mission that killed Osama.
Paramount Pictures have also had a film in the works since optioning Jawbreaker; a book about the failed December 2001 attempt to hunt and kill Bin Laden in the early stages of the invasion of Afghanistan; but despite Oliver Stone (World Trade Center) willing it forward, production stalled; something the studio will now likely attempt to change.
News that not only America’s most wanted man, and a prolific terrorist, but the figurehead and leader of Al Qaeda has been killed will undoubtedly fill the newspapers, networks, and blogosphere for months to come (possibly upping the flag-waving ratings for Captain America?), ensuring that whichever one of these movies enters production will be a guaranteed Box Office hit (at least in the US).
Matt Wheeldon.
Source: Deadline.
