Some films are hot potatoes and some are a potato farm sitting under a volcano. The producers of the 007 franchise are to make a film based on the story of former National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden, thus instigating a lava shower of no doubt welcome controversy. Snowden became a polarizing figure when he lifted the lid on questionable practices in intelligence gathering. With the authorities and a gaggle of flustered news reporters on his trail he ended up in Russia, where he has been living ever since while the US works out how to crowbar him out.
The source material, aside from Snowden himself, is “hot off the press” tome No Place To Hide by journalist Glenn Greenwald, who aided Snowden in his revelations and which is making as big a splash in the publishing world as the perfectly-timed movie deal will make in Hollywood. Sony Pictures Entertainment and Bond custodians EON face the challenge of bringing the Snowden story to the screen in a way that will attract attention without overinflaming the Obama administration. Early word is that it will be similar in style to Sony’s CAPTAIN PHILLIPS, so perhaps Paul Greengrass will be brought in to direct.
Benedict Cumberbatch made a fetching Julian Assange in last year’s Wikileaks drama THE FIFTH ESTATE, so while it remains to be seen who will be cast in the Snowden role someone bankable or with a following will probably be sought. I’m tempted to suggest former Doctor Who star Arthur Darvill, though his cinematic currency is untested. Seriously though producers, Arthur Darvill – though I may need him for my prospective Marty Feldman biopic so let me know if you’re going to go ahead.
Source: THR
