This has been in the works for awhile now, but Robert Zemeckis and 20th Century Fox have officially come to an agreement for Zemeckis to get involved in the film adaptation of The Barefoot Bandit.
This still doesn't mean there's definitely going to be a movie, but involving an A-list director like Zemeckis -- Forrest Gump, Cast Away, Polar Express, and even a few movies without Tom Hanks, such as Romancing the Stone, Back to the Future(s), Contact, Who Framed Roger Rabbit and so on including the next Denzel Washington film, Flight, which is in post production -- is a good thing.
It's unfortunate that all the Hollywood press that picks up any stories on the movie keeps referring to the original title of my book: Taking Flight. Not that I didn't like the title, but the title of both the book and the screenplay changed to The Barefoot Bandit. (It'd also be cool for them to acknowledge once in awhile that there IS a book.)
So, the film is in development, which can mean a lot of things. In this case, it means screenwriter Lance Black (Milk, J. Edgar, Virginia) is completing his third draft of the script in consultation with Zemeckis. Fox secured the rights to my book and to Colton's life rights (with all of the life rights money going to repay Colton's victims).
I know that a favorite game has been speculating on which actor would be best to play the Barefoot Bandit. There's still no word on that, though don't be surprised if it turns out to be none of the usual suspects...
And what about speculation on who will play YOU? It's gotta be Hanks. I can see it now...
ReplyDeleteHas anyone considered having Colton play himself in the movie? He's a good-looking kid, with a proven flair for the dramatic. As you have pointed out, he is shy, but with the right acting teachers, maybe he could have a future in Hollywood.
ReplyDeleteIt's worth considering...
Of course, there's the problem of getting him temporarily released from prison to do the movie, and the careful supervision he would need. But with imagination and creativity on the part of everyone involved, it could be amazing!
Beth
Agree with you!
DeleteThere is a bit of ham in Colton, but I think he's too old to play his adolescent self in the movie...which really has to feature the cross-over years of 14 to 16. With such experienced a director and screenwriter and in the hands of a major studio, this could be a movie of the year, and the role is there for a young actor to pick up an award or two.
ReplyDeleteA thought occurs to me. How will being the subject of a major movie (If it attains that status) affect the post custodial Colton Harris-Moore?
Kate, no telling yet if there will even be a "Bob" role in the script. If so, Tom Hanks will be cordially invited to come hang out at the cabin with me and Murphy to research the part. He seems like he'd be a good house guest, though the cabin is so small he'll have to share Murphy's bed.
ReplyDeleteColton playing himself would bring a whole new level to prison work-release programs... I wouldn't bank on that happening.
And yes, you have to wonder about the effect a movie would have on Colton. I hope that if it happens he handles all the attention well and it helps him stay on the right path and achieve what he wants.
I know that there are a lot of Colt's victims hoping the movie gets made, since that would mean they'll get their restitution. I get asked about it every time I go to town here on the island because almost every place I stop at was burglarized.
Do you know where Colt serves his sentence?
ReplyDeleteStafford Creek Corrections Center in Aberdeen, WA.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Do I have to send him stamps separately, so that he could possibly respond?
DeleteHi Bob,
ReplyDeleteI saw recently that the U.S. Attorney's Office has put a lien to the tune of $1.3 million on Colton's "property" (http://www.king5.com/news/local/13-million-lien-against-Barefoot-Bandit-166136576.html).
Is this simply a routine legal procedure or does it represent something significant/new? Is it the move that garnishes Colt's future wages to reimburse his victims if the movie deal ultimately falls through?
Ned
You're not allowed to send things like stamps to inmates. The WA State Dept of Corrections website has information about how to send letters and packages to inmates.
ReplyDeleteYes I read it, what I meant was is it possible for him to even answer if I dont send him those stamps?
DeleteRe the DOJ lien on Colton's property: Yes, my understanding is that this is how the US government is ensuring that Colton isn't off the hook for victim restitution in case the movie never gets made.
ReplyDeleteThe $1.3 million and change is the amount of the restitution order and, reportedly, the amount of the life rights deal Colton signed with 20th Century Fox. That money only gets paid, though, if the cameras actually start rolling.
Re the stamps: Yes, inmates can buy their own stamps in the prison and mail letters.
ReplyDeleteBob, I just finished your book and thought it was fantastic! With your travel writing experience, you created such detailed descriptions of places that it made me feel like I was right there.
ReplyDeleteI hope your book gets made into a movie ~ I would definately go ~ it would be my small contribution to the restitution for the people of Orcas. I was in East Sound recently and saw the restaurant on the water that had to close down because of Colt and it brought a tear to my eye. I had felt sorry for him until I read your book. Now I have a new perspective on the victims, their losses and the permanent devastation that resulted from what he did.
Hey bob, my name is shanae fing, i have recently read your book and watched a documentary on Colton Harris-Moore and I am really interested In him and I was wondering if I would be able to send him mail or a package while he Is in jail? if i am able to, could you please, please give me the full address and all the information I will need to give and receive mail from an inmate, I don't really know much about sending packages and mail to any other country, if you are not sure about posting this type of information online, could you email me on xo_shanae_xo@mail.com
ReplyDeleteIt would mean sooo much to me if you could help me with this
Thank you