Falsely imprisoned football star getting biopic…
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Lee Daniels (‘The Butler,’ ‘Precious’) has signed on to take the helm of ‘The Brian Banks Story.’
The film will tell the story of Banks, an high school All-America football player who had committed to USC’s prestigious program in 2002, but had his life turned upside down when he was falsely accused him of rape. Banks maintained his innocence, but a hasty plea bargain resulted in a five-year-plus prison sentence.
His conviction was overturned in 2012, and after a 10-year hiatus, he returned to the gridiron, playing in the UFL and going through six NFL tryouts before finally making the Atlanta Falcons’ 75-man roster in April 2013. Although he only played in four preseason games, Banks fulfilled his lifelong dream and is now a motivational speaker and an activist and representative for the California Innocence Project.
“All I ever wanted was to prove my innocence. Telling my story in the form of a feature film is beyond my wildest dreams,” Banks said. “Having Lee Daniels come on board to direct the film is so exciting and such an honour.”
Amy Baer of Gidden Media is attached produce, with Justin Brooks and Neil Strum serving as executive producers. The project is currently out to writers.