Oscar-nominated actor Colin Farrell and Ben Stiller are joining forces for Andrew Haigh’s new film, Belly of the Beast, based on a true story.
The BAFTA-nominated director draws inspiration from Jerome Loving’s 2017 book Jack and Norman: A State-Raised Convict and the Legacy of Norman Mailer’s ‘The Executioner’s Song’.
The film tells the story of the relationship between American writer Norman Mailer, portrayed by Stiller, and his protégé Jack Henry Abbott. After spending a decade in prison, Abbott is granted parole and quickly gains popularity within the literary elite. However, he struggles with his personal demons in the real world. When Mailer, possibly out of jealousy, turns his back on his protégé, Abbott commits an infamous act of violence just six weeks after his release.
The book adaptation is written by Haigh and Alexis Jolly.
Mailer and Abbott’s connection began in the late 1970s, while Abbott was in prison, with Mailer helping him write his memoirs and later campaigning for his release.
“The film is a powerful true crime story filled with suspense and tension. Under Andrew Haigh’s masterful direction, we can expect incredible performances from Ben Stiller and Colin Farrell, which we look forward to presenting to audiences,” said Marie-Claire Benson, Head of Motion Picture Group at Lionsgate UK.
Production is being handled by Farrell and his sister Claudine through their company Chapel Place, alongside Village Roadshow Pictures and producers Alison R. Rosenzweig and Michael Gaeta.
According to Deadline, Lionsgate UK will distribute the film in cinemas across the UK and Ireland, while Tanweer will handle the release in Greece.
Source: CNA-ANA-MPA/KHR/MK
