We were so thrilled when we heard that Garrard Conley's memoir Boy Erased was getting a big-screen adaptation written and directed by Joel Edgerton. The story follows Jared, a teenager living in a small Arkansas town who is unwillingly outed to his devout Baptist parents and subsequently must attend a gay conversion therapy program through his church. It's a compelling story that's already been getting a ton of buzz, and we have been counting down the days until its Nov. 2 release.
That excitement quadrupled when we heard the power players who would head up the cast. Ever since Nicole Kidman knocked our socks off in Big Little Lies, we've been patiently waiting for more opportunities to see her own the theater. She has been cast as Nancy, Jared's mother, and we can hear the Oscar buzz already. Then, we have New Zealander Russell Crowe depicting Jared's pastor father, Marshall.
That excitement quadrupled when we heard the power players who would head up the cast. Ever since Nicole Kidman knocked our socks off in Big Little Lies, we've been patiently waiting for more opportunities to see her own the theater. She has been cast as Nancy, Jared's mother, and we can hear the Oscar buzz already. Then, we have New Zealander Russell Crowe depicting Jared's pastor father, Marshall.
- 10/3/2018
- by Hannah Abrams
- Popsugar.com
Kill The Messenger, the dramatic thriller based on the true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb is in theaters now, and gaining a lot of buzz.
Read Jim Batts’ review Here.
Recently, I had the chance to sit down with director Michael Cuesta, along with a small group of press, to talk about the film. Check it out below.
Two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner (“The Bourne Legacy”) leads an all-star cast in a dramatic thriller based on the remarkable true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb. Webb stumbles onto a story which leads to the shady origins of the men who started the crack epidemic on the nation’s streets…and further alleges that the CIA was aware of major dealers who were smuggling cocaine into the U.S., and using the profits to arm rebels fighting in Nicaragua. Despite warnings from drug kingpins and CIA operatives to stop his investigation,...
Read Jim Batts’ review Here.
Recently, I had the chance to sit down with director Michael Cuesta, along with a small group of press, to talk about the film. Check it out below.
Two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner (“The Bourne Legacy”) leads an all-star cast in a dramatic thriller based on the remarkable true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb. Webb stumbles onto a story which leads to the shady origins of the men who started the crack epidemic on the nation’s streets…and further alleges that the CIA was aware of major dealers who were smuggling cocaine into the U.S., and using the profits to arm rebels fighting in Nicaragua. Despite warnings from drug kingpins and CIA operatives to stop his investigation,...
- 10/17/2014
- by Melissa Howland
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“You have no idea what you’re getting into,” Jeremy Renner is told midway through Kill the Messenger, in which he plays real-life San Jose Mercury News reporter Gary Webb, who broke the "Dark Alliance" story of the CIA's connection to Central American cocaine smugglers. While initially celebrated for his revelatory reporting, the film traces Webb’s swift fall from grace as mainstream media organizations jumped to poke holes in his reporting and malign his character by digging up some less-than-savory details from his past. Adapted by screenwriter Peter Landesman from Nick Schou's book, production languished for years
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- 10/10/2014
- by Laura Entis
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Intense music drama Whiplash, already a big winner at Sundance and the Deauville American Film Festival earlier this year, should drum up plenty of audience interest in its debut this weekend, even though it faces a crowded specialty market that also features several other notable newcomers, including the Bill Murray comedy St. Vincent, Hilary Swank‘s You’re Not You and Jeremy Renner‘s Kill the Messenger. All are what I’d call “big” specialty releases, with big names attached that should attract big attention.
The weekend also includes what I’d call some “small” releases, including documentaries The Overnighters (another Sundance winner) and I Am Ali, about the former heavyweight boxing champion, alongside the Mormon Church-backed Meet the Mormons. All will be clawing for attention in a market that’s seen more than 30 films debut in the past three weeks.
That said, Whiplash should be a real career turner...
The weekend also includes what I’d call some “small” releases, including documentaries The Overnighters (another Sundance winner) and I Am Ali, about the former heavyweight boxing champion, alongside the Mormon Church-backed Meet the Mormons. All will be clawing for attention in a market that’s seen more than 30 films debut in the past three weeks.
That said, Whiplash should be a real career turner...
- 10/10/2014
- by Brian Brooks
- Deadline
“Stop the presses” was a line of dialogue used in all manner of thrillers and mysteries throughout Hollywood’s Golden age as a reflection of the movies’ love affair with newspapers and crusading reporters. Now this romance has had its bumps, since for every The Front Page or His Girl Friday, there’s a Citizen Kane who created news events to sell copy. But overall, the seekers of truth, the reporters have been the heroes in cinema (is it any wonder that Superman’s human disguise is that of “mild, mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper”?). One of the best examples may be 1976′s All The President’S Men with Woodward and Bernstein as an investigative dynamic duo who would follow every lead, turn over every rock in order to publish the facts. The fourth estate isn’t what it used to be in today’s world what with...
- 10/9/2014
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Focus Features’ upcoming film, Kill The Messenger, opens in theaters this Friday.
With another powerful performance, two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner could very well see another Oscar nomination for his role as Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb.
Fans of All The President’S Men (1976) will appreciate this new political thriller about investigative journalism.
From director Michael Cuesta (“Homeland”) and writers Peter Landesman, based upon the books Dark Alliance, by Gary Webb, and Kill the Messenger, by Nick Schou, the movie also stars Rosemarie DeWitt, Ray Liotta, Tim Blake Nelson, Barry Pepper, Oliver Platt, Michael Sheen, Paz Vega, Michael Kenneth Williams, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Andy Garcia.
Based on Webb’s remarkable true story, watch the new featurette and 4 new clips from the film.
Incarnated on-screen by Jeremy Renner – also a producer of the movie – Webb was a respected, hard-charging investigative journalist who longed to land a career-making story. Kill The Messenger...
With another powerful performance, two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner could very well see another Oscar nomination for his role as Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb.
Fans of All The President’S Men (1976) will appreciate this new political thriller about investigative journalism.
From director Michael Cuesta (“Homeland”) and writers Peter Landesman, based upon the books Dark Alliance, by Gary Webb, and Kill the Messenger, by Nick Schou, the movie also stars Rosemarie DeWitt, Ray Liotta, Tim Blake Nelson, Barry Pepper, Oliver Platt, Michael Sheen, Paz Vega, Michael Kenneth Williams, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Andy Garcia.
Based on Webb’s remarkable true story, watch the new featurette and 4 new clips from the film.
Incarnated on-screen by Jeremy Renner – also a producer of the movie – Webb was a respected, hard-charging investigative journalist who longed to land a career-making story. Kill The Messenger...
- 10/8/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Watch Michael K. Williams as "Freeway" Rick Ross in Clip From Dramatic Thriller 'Kill the Messenger'
It's not the planned biopic on 1980s drug lord 'Freeway' Rick Ross that we've been following for a couple of years or more now. Instead, Ross is a character in a feature film based on Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb (played by Jeremy Renner), who, thanks to his reporting, exposed the CIA's involvement in helping Nicaragua's Contra rebels import cocaine into California during the 1980s. Webb died in 2004, shot dead in what was initially determined to be a suicide, but some believe he may have instead been murdered. This new project, based on a novel titled "Kill the Messenger" by Nick Schou, will see Michael K....
- 10/8/2014
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Enter here for your chance to win passes to an advance screening of Kill the Messenger starring Jeremy Renner and directed by Michael Cuesta.
For your chance to receive two (2) complimentary passes to see an advance screening of Kill the Messenger at the AMC Livonia Theater in Livonia, Michigan on Tuesday, October 7th at 7:00Pm, just look for the “giveaway” box further down on this page.
There you’ll be directed to a variety of methods by which you can enter the contest. You’ll be asked to provide a valid email address, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, and Tweet the contest. That’s it. That’s all you have to do to enter. We’ll contact you to let you know if you’ve won one of the pairs of passes that we have. But hurry, because the contest ends at 12:00Am on Monday morning,...
For your chance to receive two (2) complimentary passes to see an advance screening of Kill the Messenger at the AMC Livonia Theater in Livonia, Michigan on Tuesday, October 7th at 7:00Pm, just look for the “giveaway” box further down on this page.
There you’ll be directed to a variety of methods by which you can enter the contest. You’ll be asked to provide a valid email address, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, and Tweet the contest. That’s it. That’s all you have to do to enter. We’ll contact you to let you know if you’ve won one of the pairs of passes that we have. But hurry, because the contest ends at 12:00Am on Monday morning,...
- 10/2/2014
- by Administrator
- CinemaNerdz
Focus Features’ upcoming film, Kill The Messenger. Two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner (‘The Bourne Legacy’) leads an all-star cast (Rosemarie DeWitt, Ray Liotta, Tim Blake Nelson, Barry Pepper, Oliver Platt, Michael Sheen, Paz Vega, Michael Kenneth Williams, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Andy Garcia) in a dramatic thriller, based on the remarkable true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb. See official trailer below: Two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner (‘The Bourne Legacy?) leads an all-star cast in a dramatic thriller based on the remarkable true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb. Webb stumbles onto a story which leads to the shady origins of the men who started the crack epidemic on the nation’s streets, and further alleges that the CIA was aware of major dealers who were smuggling cocaine into the U.S., and using the profits to arm rebels fighting in Nicaragua. Despite warnings from drug kingpins...
- 5/30/2014
- by HollywoodNews.com
- Hollywoodnews.com
Kill the Messenger tells the story of Gary Webb, the journalist who wouldn’t stop digging into the cocaine trade, even when threatened by drug dealers and the CIA. It’s a story that has as much intrigue as you could want, but will audiences be interested?
If the trailer is any true judge of things, it looks like this one has a lot to offer, and it certainly has a cast that ought to be able to deliver.
It perhaps oversells (but, it’s not a movie without some steamy moments, right?), which makes you wonder exactly how accurate the portrayal is that we’re getting, but Renner looks like he’ll be able to sell the story, and if the government running the drug trade doesn’t pique your interest, what will?
Take a look below, and don’t let this one fly under your radar.
Two-time Academy...
If the trailer is any true judge of things, it looks like this one has a lot to offer, and it certainly has a cast that ought to be able to deliver.
It perhaps oversells (but, it’s not a movie without some steamy moments, right?), which makes you wonder exactly how accurate the portrayal is that we’re getting, but Renner looks like he’ll be able to sell the story, and if the government running the drug trade doesn’t pique your interest, what will?
Take a look below, and don’t let this one fly under your radar.
Two-time Academy...
- 5/29/2014
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
Check out the thrilling first trailer for Focus Features’ upcoming film, Kill The Messenger. Two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner (The Bourne Legacy) leads an all-star cast in a dramatic thriller based on the remarkable true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb.
Directed by Michael Cuesta (“Homeland”), Kill The Messenger is written by Peter Landesman, based upon the books Dark Alliance, by Gary Webb, and Kill the Messenger, by Nick Schou.
This one is ripe for a lot of awards attention come the end of the year. Judging by this first trailer alone, expect Oscar buzz for the charismatic Renner (has old Hollywood appeal), possibly some of the some supporting roles (Winstead, Liotta or Garcia), as well as this intriguing film.
The huge cast includes Rosemarie DeWitt, Ray Liotta, Tim Blake Nelson, Barry Pepper, Oliver Platt, Michael Sheen, Paz Vega, Michael Kenneth Williams, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Robert Patrick and Andy Garcia.
Directed by Michael Cuesta (“Homeland”), Kill The Messenger is written by Peter Landesman, based upon the books Dark Alliance, by Gary Webb, and Kill the Messenger, by Nick Schou.
This one is ripe for a lot of awards attention come the end of the year. Judging by this first trailer alone, expect Oscar buzz for the charismatic Renner (has old Hollywood appeal), possibly some of the some supporting roles (Winstead, Liotta or Garcia), as well as this intriguing film.
The huge cast includes Rosemarie DeWitt, Ray Liotta, Tim Blake Nelson, Barry Pepper, Oliver Platt, Michael Sheen, Paz Vega, Michael Kenneth Williams, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Robert Patrick and Andy Garcia.
- 5/29/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The official trailer is now online for Focus Features' upcoming film, "Kill the Messenger."
The film stars Jeremy Renner, Rosemarie DeWitt, Ray Liotta, Tim Blake Nelson, Barry Pepper, Oliver Platt, Michael Sheen, Paz Vega, Michael Kenneth Williams, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Andy Garcia.
"Kill the Messenger" is directed by Michael Cuesta from a screenplay written by Peter Landesman, based upon the books Dark Alliance, by Gary Webb, and Kill the Messenger, by Nick Schou.
Two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner (“The Bourne Legacy”) leads an all-star cast in a dramatic thriller based on the remarkable true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb. Webb stumbles onto a story which leads to the shady origins of the men who started the crack epidemic on the nation’s streets…and further alleges that the CIA was aware of major dealers who were smuggling cocaine into the U.S., and using the...
The film stars Jeremy Renner, Rosemarie DeWitt, Ray Liotta, Tim Blake Nelson, Barry Pepper, Oliver Platt, Michael Sheen, Paz Vega, Michael Kenneth Williams, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and Andy Garcia.
"Kill the Messenger" is directed by Michael Cuesta from a screenplay written by Peter Landesman, based upon the books Dark Alliance, by Gary Webb, and Kill the Messenger, by Nick Schou.
Two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner (“The Bourne Legacy”) leads an all-star cast in a dramatic thriller based on the remarkable true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb. Webb stumbles onto a story which leads to the shady origins of the men who started the crack epidemic on the nation’s streets…and further alleges that the CIA was aware of major dealers who were smuggling cocaine into the U.S., and using the...
- 5/29/2014
- by Kellvin Chavez
- LRMonline.com
After revealing the poster yesterday, Focus has brought online the first trailer for the dramatic thriller Kill the Messenger starring Jeremy Renner and directed by Michael Cuesta ("Homeland") with a screenplay written by Peter Landesman (Parkland), based upon the books "Dark Alliance" by Gary Webb, and "Kill the Messenger by Nick Schou. In the film, Renner stars as Webb, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, who stumbles onto a story which leads to the shady origins of the men who started the crack epidemic on the nation's streets...and further alleges the CIA was aware of major dealers who were smuggling cocaine into the U.S., and using the profits to arm rebels fighting in Nicaragua. Despite warnings from drug kingpins and CIA operatives to stop his investigation, Webb keeps digging to uncover a conspiracy with explosive implications. Maybe I'm blanking, but it seems a while since we had a good conspiracy...
- 5/29/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
"Can you keep a national secret?" That's the question posed by the bold poster Focus Features has released to tease the unveiling of their soon-to-hit trailer for Kill The Messenger. You may not recognize him blown out and bearded, but featured here is two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner (Check the name under his nose). As follow-up to his charming turn as a corrupt politician in American Hustle, Renner is doling out another tale of government gone bad that is likewise based on a shocking true story. This one of polarizing newspaperman Gary Webb. Peter Landesman (Parkland) based his screenplay for Kill The Messenger off of Webb's own writings as well as the Nick Schou-penned biography Kill The Messenger: How the CIA's Crack-Cocaine Controversy Destroyed Gary Webb. The title alone could serve as a logline for the film, which stars Renner as in the lead role playing a...
- 5/28/2014
- cinemablend.com
Check out the brand new poster for Focus Features’ upcoming film, Kill The Messenger – opening in theaters on October 10, 2014. This one you’ll definitely want to keep on your radar during Awards Season. The first trailer debuts tomorrow.
Two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner (“The Bourne Legacy”) stars in the dramatic thriller based on the remarkable true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb.
Webb stumbles onto a story which leads to the shady origins of the men who started the crack epidemic on the nation’s streets…and further alleges that the CIA was aware of major dealers who were smuggling cocaine into the U.S., and using the profits to arm rebels fighting in Nicaragua. Despite warnings from drug kingpins and CIA operatives to stop his investigation, Webb keeps digging to uncover a conspiracy with explosive implications. His journey takes him from the prisons of California to the...
Two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner (“The Bourne Legacy”) stars in the dramatic thriller based on the remarkable true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb.
Webb stumbles onto a story which leads to the shady origins of the men who started the crack epidemic on the nation’s streets…and further alleges that the CIA was aware of major dealers who were smuggling cocaine into the U.S., and using the profits to arm rebels fighting in Nicaragua. Despite warnings from drug kingpins and CIA operatives to stop his investigation, Webb keeps digging to uncover a conspiracy with explosive implications. His journey takes him from the prisons of California to the...
- 5/28/2014
- by Michelle McCue
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Michael Cuesta ("Homeland") is setting out with Jeremy Renner to bring us Kill the Messenger later this year, a new dramatic thriller written by Peter Landesman (Parkland), based upon the books "Dark Alliance" by Gary Webb, and "Kill the Messenger by Nick Schou. Renner will star as Webb, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, in the true story adaptation in which he stumbles onto a story which leads to the shady origins of the men who started the crack epidemic on the nation's streets...and further alleges that the CIA was aware of major dealers who were smuggling cocaine into the U.S., and using the profits to arm rebels fighting in Nicaragua. Despite warnings from drug kingpins and CIA operatives to stop his investigation, Webb keeps digging to uncover a conspiracy with explosive implications. His journey takes him from the prisons of California to the villages of Nicaragua to the highest corridors of power in Washington,...
- 5/28/2014
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
Kill the Messenger
Director: Michael Cuesta
Writer: Peter Landesman
Producers: Pamela Abdy, Naomi Despres, Jeremy Renner, Scott Stuber
U.S. Distributor: Focus Features
Cast: Jeremy Renner, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Michael Sheen, Michael K. Williams, Robert Patrick, Ray Liotta, Barry Pepper, Andy Garcia, Paz Vega, Rosemarie DeWitt, Tim Blake Nelson, Oliver Platt, Jena Sims, Lucas Hedges, Richard Schiff, Yul Vazquez
We know him as the director behind indie nuggets such as L.I.E., hotel room splendor of 12 and Holding and more recently, Roadie, so after a mostly low-budget indie filmography Michael Cuesta cross over into bigger budget big leagues is due to a successful stint on Homeland. Kill the Messenger sounds like compelling material, and sports and impressive ensemble cast, and we’re banking that visually it’ll pay dividends with cinematographer Sean Bobbitt who is currently at the top of his game.
Gist: Based on the novel by Nick Schou and...
Director: Michael Cuesta
Writer: Peter Landesman
Producers: Pamela Abdy, Naomi Despres, Jeremy Renner, Scott Stuber
U.S. Distributor: Focus Features
Cast: Jeremy Renner, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Michael Sheen, Michael K. Williams, Robert Patrick, Ray Liotta, Barry Pepper, Andy Garcia, Paz Vega, Rosemarie DeWitt, Tim Blake Nelson, Oliver Platt, Jena Sims, Lucas Hedges, Richard Schiff, Yul Vazquez
We know him as the director behind indie nuggets such as L.I.E., hotel room splendor of 12 and Holding and more recently, Roadie, so after a mostly low-budget indie filmography Michael Cuesta cross over into bigger budget big leagues is due to a successful stint on Homeland. Kill the Messenger sounds like compelling material, and sports and impressive ensemble cast, and we’re banking that visually it’ll pay dividends with cinematographer Sean Bobbitt who is currently at the top of his game.
Gist: Based on the novel by Nick Schou and...
- 2/20/2014
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
As "The Fifth Estate" sadly proved last month, journalism movies aren't the easiest sell at the multiplex, even when involving a current hot button issue and headline-grabbing figure at the center of the drama. But a good story can't be ignored and Jeremy Renner and director Michael Cuesta ("Homeland," "Dexter" and "Twelve And Holding" also featuring Renner) have latched onto one in "Kill The Messenger." And even though the movie isn't due until sometime in 2014, the pair are getting out in front and starting to talk about the movie. Penned by Peter Landesman ("Parkland"), based on the books "Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion" by Gary Webb and Nick Schou’s "Kill the Messenger: How the CIA’s Crack-Cocaine Controversy Destroyed Journalist Gary Webb" and featuring an all star-cast—Rosemarie DeWitt, Andy Garcia, Lucas Hedges, Tim Blake Nelson, Robert Patrick, Barry Pepper, Oliver Platt,...
- 11/4/2013
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Production has begun in Atlanta, Georgia, on the Jeremy Renner thriller Kill The Messenger, Focus Features CEO James Schamus and co-ceo Andrew Karpen announced on Thursday [25].
Focus Features International launched sales on the thriller at the Efm back in February and the film is expected to open through Focus in the Us in 2014.
Renner plays the late, true-life investigative reporter Gary Webb, who exposed the connection between the CIA, Nicaraguan Contra rebels and a cocaine smuggling ring.
Michael Cuesta, riding high on the success of Homeland, directs the film inspired by Webb’s Dark Alliance series of articles and Nick Schou’s book Kill The Messenger. Peter Landesman wrote the screenplay.
The key cast includes Josh Close, Rosemarie DeWitt, Andy Garcia, Tim Blake Nelson, Michael Sheen, Barry Pepper, Michael Kenneth Williams and Oliver Platt.
“Our team of filmmakers has been tireless in working to get this movie made, and we know that audiences will empathise with Jeremy...
Focus Features International launched sales on the thriller at the Efm back in February and the film is expected to open through Focus in the Us in 2014.
Renner plays the late, true-life investigative reporter Gary Webb, who exposed the connection between the CIA, Nicaraguan Contra rebels and a cocaine smuggling ring.
Michael Cuesta, riding high on the success of Homeland, directs the film inspired by Webb’s Dark Alliance series of articles and Nick Schou’s book Kill The Messenger. Peter Landesman wrote the screenplay.
The key cast includes Josh Close, Rosemarie DeWitt, Andy Garcia, Tim Blake Nelson, Michael Sheen, Barry Pepper, Michael Kenneth Williams and Oliver Platt.
“Our team of filmmakers has been tireless in working to get this movie made, and we know that audiences will empathise with Jeremy...
- 7/26/2013
- ScreenDaily
Production has begun in Atlanta, Georgia, on the Jeremy Renner thriller Kill The Messenger, Focus Features CEO James Schamus and co-ceo Andrew Karpen announced on Thursday [25].
Focus Features International launched sales on the thriller at the Efm back in February and the film is expected to open through Focus in the Us in 2014.
Renner plays the late, true-life investigative reporter Gary Webb, who exposed the connection between the CIA, Nicaraguan Contra rebels and a cocaine smuggling ring.
Michael Cuesta, riding high on the success of Homeland, directs the film inspired by Webb’s Dark Alliance series of articles and Nick Schou’s book Kill The Messenger. Peter Landesman wrote the screenplay.
The key cast includes Josh Close, Rosemarie DeWitt, Andy Garcia, Tim Blake Nelson, Michael Sheen, Barry Pepper, Michael Kenneth Williams and Oliver Platt.
“Our team of filmmakers has been tireless in working to get this movie made, and we know that audiences will empathise with Jeremy...
Focus Features International launched sales on the thriller at the Efm back in February and the film is expected to open through Focus in the Us in 2014.
Renner plays the late, true-life investigative reporter Gary Webb, who exposed the connection between the CIA, Nicaraguan Contra rebels and a cocaine smuggling ring.
Michael Cuesta, riding high on the success of Homeland, directs the film inspired by Webb’s Dark Alliance series of articles and Nick Schou’s book Kill The Messenger. Peter Landesman wrote the screenplay.
The key cast includes Josh Close, Rosemarie DeWitt, Andy Garcia, Tim Blake Nelson, Michael Sheen, Barry Pepper, Michael Kenneth Williams and Oliver Platt.
“Our team of filmmakers has been tireless in working to get this movie made, and we know that audiences will empathise with Jeremy...
- 7/25/2013
- ScreenDaily
Production has begun in Atlanta, Georgia on Kill the Messenger. Focus Features holds worldwide theatrical rights to the true-life dramatic thriller, which will be released in 2014. Focus CEO James Schamus and co-ceo Andrew Karpen made the announcement today. Two-time Academy Award nominee Jeremy Renner stars as Gary Webb, the real-life dedicated reporter for The San Jose Mercury-News. In the 1990s, Webb uncovered the Central Intelligence Agency’s role in importing cocaine into California that was sold to raise money for the Nicaraguan Contras rebel army. Supported by his wife and children, Webb pursued the story and went public with his evidence. When targeted for a vicious smear campaign by the CIA and rival journalists, Webb found himself fighting for his reputation and his family. Joining Mr. Renner in the cast are Josh Close (of The Master), Rosemarie DeWitt (Rachel Getting Married), Academy Award nominee Andy Garcia, Lucas Hedges (Focus’ Moonrise Kingdom...
- 7/25/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Mary Elizabeth Winstead is the latest name to join the cast of the upcoming Kill the Messenger . Deadline brings word that the Scott Pilgrim vs. the World star will join Jeremy Renner and Rosemarie DeWitt in the true story of journalist Gary Webb, a San Jose Mercury News reporter who allegedly committed suicide after being the target of a smear campaign when he linked the CIA to a scheme to arm Contra rebels in Nicaragua and import cocaine into California. Peter Landesman wrote the screenplay, based on the two books the studio optioned: "Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion," by Webb, and Nick Schou's "Kill the Messenger: How the CIA's Crack-Cocaine Controversy Destroyed Journalist Gary Webb." Winstead, who recently...
- 7/16/2013
- Comingsoon.net
The CIA has done some dirty deeds, but their links to pushing drugs within the United States itself is still something many don't quite believe, but perhaps after "Kill The Messenger," that might all change. With the Jeremy Renner starring film ramping up to go in front of cameras, the case is starting to get rounded out and two more solid names are on board. "The Wire" and "Boardwalk Empire" star Michael K. Williams and the seemingly always busy Rosemarie DeWitt are the latest aboard the film. Penned by Peter Landesman ("Parkland"), set to be directed by Michael Cuesta ("Homeland," "Dexter," "Twelve And Holding"), and based on the books "Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion" by Gary Webb and Nick Schou’s "Kill the Messenger: How the CIA’s Crack-Cocaine Controversy Destroyed Journalist Gary Webb," the film will tell the true story of reporter...
- 7/8/2013
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
It's not the planned biopic on 1980s drug lord 'Freeway' Rick Ross that we've been following for a couple of years or more now. Instead, according to The Wrap, Ross will be a character in a feature film based on Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb (to be played by Jeremy Renner), who, thanks to his reporting, exposed the CIA's involvement in helping Nicaragua's Contra rebels import cocaine into California during the 1980s. Webb died in 2004, shot dead in what was initially determined to be a suicide, but some believe he may have instead been murdered. This new project, based on a novel titled Kill the Messenger by Nick Schou, will see Michael...
- 7/8/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
"Boardwalk Empire" star Michael K. Williams is in negotiations to play "Freeway" Rick Ross alongside Jeremy Renner in Focus Features' thriller "Kill the Messenger," two individuals familiar with the project have told TheWrap. Michael Cuesta ("Homeland") is directing from a script by Peter Landesman, who adapted Nick Schou's book. Scott Stuber is producing through his Bluegrass Films banner along with The Combine's Renner and Don Handfield, as well as Naomi Despres. Landesman will executive produce. Also read: Focus Buys Jeremy Renner as Award-Winning Journalist Gary Webb "Messenger" tells the true story of Pulitzer...
- 7/8/2013
- by Jeff Sneider
- The Wrap
Rosemarie DeWitt has taken the female lead opposite Jeremy Renner in the upcoming Kill the Messenger , Deadline reports. The film is based on the true story of journalist Gary Webb, a San Jose Mercury News reporter who allegedly committed suicide after being the target of a smear campaign when he linked the CIA to a scheme to arm Contra rebels in Nicaragua and import cocaine into California. Peter Landesman wrote the screenplay, based on the two books the studio optioned: "Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion," by Webb, and Nick Schou's "Kill the Messenger: How the CIA's Crack-Cocaine Controversy Destroyed Journalist Gary Webb." DeWitt recently appeared in The Odd Life of Timothy Green , The Watch and Promised Land ....
- 6/28/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Frankenstein
Jack Huston and Toby Kebbell are in contention for the role of Victor Von Frankenstein in Paul McGuigan's new cinematic take on Mary Shelley's iconic novel "Frankenstein".
Daniel Radcliffe is already cast in the role of Igor, the Doctor's hunchback lab assistant. Max Landis ("Chronicle") penned the script. [Source: Digital Spy]
American Heist
Adrien Brody, Jordana Brewster and Akon will star in Sarik Andreasyan's "American Heist" at Glacier Films. Filming begins today.
Hayden Christensen also stars in this remake of the 1959 Steve McQueen film "St. Louis Bank Robbery," Brody will also executive produce. [Source: Screen Daily]
Camp X-Ray
42-year-old Peyman Moaadi ("A Separation") will star opposite Kristen Stewart in Peter Sattler's politically-charged indie drama "Camp X-Ray".
Stewart plays a small town girl who joins the military hoping to head to Iraq. Instead, she’s sent to Guantanamo where she forges an odd friendship with Ali (Moaadi), an eight year detainee. [Source: Hollywood Life]
Kill...
Jack Huston and Toby Kebbell are in contention for the role of Victor Von Frankenstein in Paul McGuigan's new cinematic take on Mary Shelley's iconic novel "Frankenstein".
Daniel Radcliffe is already cast in the role of Igor, the Doctor's hunchback lab assistant. Max Landis ("Chronicle") penned the script. [Source: Digital Spy]
American Heist
Adrien Brody, Jordana Brewster and Akon will star in Sarik Andreasyan's "American Heist" at Glacier Films. Filming begins today.
Hayden Christensen also stars in this remake of the 1959 Steve McQueen film "St. Louis Bank Robbery," Brody will also executive produce. [Source: Screen Daily]
Camp X-Ray
42-year-old Peyman Moaadi ("A Separation") will star opposite Kristen Stewart in Peter Sattler's politically-charged indie drama "Camp X-Ray".
Stewart plays a small town girl who joins the military hoping to head to Iraq. Instead, she’s sent to Guantanamo where she forges an odd friendship with Ali (Moaadi), an eight year detainee. [Source: Hollywood Life]
Kill...
- 6/25/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Paz Vega is set to join Jeremy Renner in the upcoming Kill the Messenger , says a story at The Hollywood Reporter . The film is based on the true story of journalist Gary Webb, a San Jose Mercury News reporter who allegedly committed suicide after being the target of a smear campaign when he linked the CIA to a scheme to arm Contra rebels in Nicaragua and import cocaine into California. Peter Landesman wrote the screenplay, based on the two books the studio optioned: "Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion," by Webb, and Nick Schou's "Kill the Messenger: How the CIA's Crack-Cocaine Controversy Destroyed Journalist Gary Webb." Vega's credits include Sex and Lucia and Cat Run . She can be seen in the upcoming Grace of...
- 6/24/2013
- Comingsoon.net
Paz Vega is joining Jeremy Renner in Kill the Messenger, Focus Features’ adaptation of the true-life drama book by Nick Schou. Michael Cuesta, who has helmed episodes of Homeland and Dexter, is directing the picture, which is being produced by Scott Stuber and Renner. Messenger tells the true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb who through his reporting exposed the CIA’s involvement in helping Nicaragua's Contra rebels import cocaine into California during the 1980s. The agency then tried to discredit him, which ultimately led to his “committing suicide,” though with two bullets to his head. Vega
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- 6/21/2013
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Things are moving along for Jeremy Renner movie Kill the Messenger. Just a few days after Renner was announced as star and producer, the film has secured a distributor. Focus Features has acquired worldwide rights, EW has confirmed.
The distribution deal keeps Kill the Messenger in the family with parent company Universal Pictures, where the film was originally developed.
Kill the Messenger is based on the true story of journalist Gary Webb, known for uncovering the CIA’s involvement in cocaine trafficking during the during the 1980s as a method of funding the Contra war in Nicaragua.
Production on the...
The distribution deal keeps Kill the Messenger in the family with parent company Universal Pictures, where the film was originally developed.
Kill the Messenger is based on the true story of journalist Gary Webb, known for uncovering the CIA’s involvement in cocaine trafficking during the during the 1980s as a method of funding the Contra war in Nicaragua.
Production on the...
- 2/5/2013
- by Emily Rome
- EW - Inside Movies
Well, that didn't take long. Just a few short days after Jeremy Renner signed up for the very promising "Kill the Messenger," the project has now landed a great home. Focus Features has snapped up the worldwide rights and will distribute the movie in the United States, in what should be a compelling and potentially controversial drama. Penned by Peter Landesman ("Parkland"), set to be directed by Michael Cuesta ("Homeland," "Dexter" and who also helmed "Twelve And Holding" featuring Renner), and based on the books "Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion" by Gary Webb and Nick Schou’s "Kill the Messenger: How the CIA’s Crack-Cocaine Controversy Destroyed Journalist Gary Webb," the film will tell the true story of the reporter who detailed the CIA's connection to the crack cocaine trade, only to be smeared as a result, losing his job, falling into depression, and.
- 2/5/2013
- by Kevin Jagernauth
- The Playlist
Kill The Messenger is not a completely new project, but at least now we know that Jeremy Renner will definitely star in it. Director Michael Cuesta is standing behind the project which is based on the true story of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Webb, and as you already guess – Renner is attached to play the lead. Check out the rest of this report for more details about the whole thing.
So, at this moment we know that Cuesta will direct the thriller from a script by Peter Landesman, based on the two books: Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion, by Webb, and Nick Schou’s Kill the Messenger: How the CIA’s Crack-Cocaine Controversy Destroyed Journalist Gary Webb.
As we mentioned above – Renner is attached to star as Webb, a San Jose Mercury News reporter who committed suicide after being the target of a smear...
So, at this moment we know that Cuesta will direct the thriller from a script by Peter Landesman, based on the two books: Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion, by Webb, and Nick Schou’s Kill the Messenger: How the CIA’s Crack-Cocaine Controversy Destroyed Journalist Gary Webb.
As we mentioned above – Renner is attached to star as Webb, a San Jose Mercury News reporter who committed suicide after being the target of a smear...
- 2/1/2013
- by Jeanne Standal
- Filmofilia
Jeremy Renner has been cast in the lead role in Kill the Messenger.
The Avengers star will play journalist Gary Webb in the real-life thriller, reports Deadline.
Renner in Bourne Legacy
Webb became the target of a smear campaign by the CIA after publishing his three-part Dark Alliance report, which investigated the smuggling of crack cocaine into Los Angeles by the CIA-backed Nicaraguan Contra rebels.
The journalist's career was destroyed, leading him to commit suicide in 2004. Many of his claims have since been corroborated.
Michael Cuesta (Homeland, Dexter) will direct from a screenplay by Peter Landesman based on Webb's Dark Alliance and Nick Schou's Kill the Messenger.
Renner was most recently seen in Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters.
Production on Kill the Messenger is scheduled to begin in the summer once Renner has finished shooting David O Russell's untitled 1980s drama.
Watch the Hansel and Gretel trailer below:...
The Avengers star will play journalist Gary Webb in the real-life thriller, reports Deadline.
Renner in Bourne Legacy
Webb became the target of a smear campaign by the CIA after publishing his three-part Dark Alliance report, which investigated the smuggling of crack cocaine into Los Angeles by the CIA-backed Nicaraguan Contra rebels.
The journalist's career was destroyed, leading him to commit suicide in 2004. Many of his claims have since been corroborated.
Michael Cuesta (Homeland, Dexter) will direct from a screenplay by Peter Landesman based on Webb's Dark Alliance and Nick Schou's Kill the Messenger.
Renner was most recently seen in Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters.
Production on Kill the Messenger is scheduled to begin in the summer once Renner has finished shooting David O Russell's untitled 1980s drama.
Watch the Hansel and Gretel trailer below:...
- 2/1/2013
- Digital Spy
Jeremy Renner has had a rather interesting career up until this point. Last year saw him in two major films, The Avengers and The Bourne Legacy, and 2013 has already seen him snatch a number one spot at the box office with Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. Despite all that, his career hasn’t really taken off like many thought it would. Sure, he does still have that Oscar nom under his belt and the rest of the year will see him in James Gray’s Lowlife and David O. Russell’s Abscam project, but so far, he isn’t making waves like he had hoped.
That may change though as today, the actor as joined Kill The Messenger, set to be directed by Michael Cuesta and penned by Peter Landesman. Based on the books Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion by Gary Webb and Nick Schou...
That may change though as today, the actor as joined Kill The Messenger, set to be directed by Michael Cuesta and penned by Peter Landesman. Based on the books Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion by Gary Webb and Nick Schou...
- 2/1/2013
- by Matt Joseph
- We Got This Covered
In development for some time , the true story Kill the Messenger appears to be moving foward. Deadline reports that Jeremy Renner has signed on to play the lead. The film is based on the true story of journalist Gary Webb, a San Jose Mercury News reporter who committed suicide after being the target of a smear campaign when he linked the CIA to a scheme to arm Contra rebels in Nicaragua and import cocaine into California. Peter Landesman wrote the screenplay, based on the two books the studio optioned: "Dark Alliance: The CIA, the Contras, and the Crack Cocaine Explosion," by Webb, and Nick Schou's "Kill the Messenger: How the CIA's Crack-Cocaine Controversy Destroyed Journalist Gary Webb." Michael Cuesta is attached to direct with Scott Stuber...
- 1/31/2013
- Comingsoon.net
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