The upcoming movie Waco deals with one of the most infamous events in the history of United States law enforcement; when the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (A.T.F.) lay siege to an isolated compound that was inhabited by a cult known as the Branch Dividians; and it has just been announced that Kurt Russell (Escape From New York) has been signed on to appear as part of the cast.
Also appearing is Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct), and Adrien Brody (King Kong), although as of yet there is no official details on the characters that any of the three will play, and it’s uncertain just who will take on the role of the enigmatic David Koresh; the man who ran the secretive cult, and was accused of permitting and participating in instances of child abuse and rape. It was those same allegations that forced federal agents to take action, and eventually caused a huge fire that caused the deaths of 81 people, and a whole heap of controversies regarding the way in which the authorities handled the affair.
The script has been written by the investigative journalist Lee Hibberd, and the filmmakers are apparently turning to Michael McNulty’s extensive experience on the subject for help and inspiration (Michael actually made the documentary Waco: The Rules of Engagement, about the incident); meaning that the attached director, Rupert Wainwright (The Fog), should have no trouble dramatizing, and at the same time realizing, the 1993 fiasco.
