In the 2007 novel of the same name, John Leake shares the disturbing story of Johann “Jack” Unterweger, a convicted killer whose writing garnered attention from prison. After a campaign to get him released gained traction, he was indeed set free. Ostensibly rehabilitated, he began working as a journalist, and began reporting on murders. (They do say to write what you know, after all.) Horrifyingly, however, he was later found guilty of perpetrating the crimes he had been “investigating.”
Bill Wheeler penned the original script, which Oscar winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman) is rewriting. The film is being produced by Bob Cooper and Richard Saperstein of Storyscape Entertainment, alongside DMC Film’s Conor McCaughan and Daniel Emmerson.
“This is exactly the kind of elevated and commercial material that we are looking to produce through our deal with Broad Green,” Cooper and Saperstein said, according to Variety. “Michael Fassbender is one of today’s most talented actors and we are thrilled to be in partnership with him, as well as Conor and Daniel, to bring this extraordinary story to the screen.”
Fassbender has certainly proven himself in a variety of roles over the years, starring as everything from a sex addict to a mutant superhero to a slave owner. The actor has been nominated for two Academy Awards so far: Best Actor for Steve Jobs and Best Supporting Actor for 12 Years a Slave. He should have no problem portraying a calculating serial killer living a double life.
Assuming talks end favorably, we look forward to seeing Fassbender enter Hades in Entering Hades, whenever that may occur. So far, no timeline for the film’s release has been announced.
