British filmmaker Joshua Newton has come aboard the $65 million project, entitled 'An American Mystery', to serve as director and screenwriter.
- Jun 29, 2013
AceShowbiz - A movie about O.J. Simpson criminal case is under development. The Wrap, which broke the news first, learns that the $65 million film, entitled "An American Mystery", has found its director and first lead cast. Joshua Newton, who directed 2011's "Iron Cross" starring the late Roy Schneider, is set to pen and direct with Charlotte Kirk cast as Nicole Brown Simpson.
"Non-Stop" actress Kirk will play Brown Simpson "from when she first met the famous football star as an 18 year-old in 1977 to her untimely death alongside Ron Goldman." Newton promises that the movie will feature "startling facts" and a "fresh perspective" surrounding the the controversial murder trial dubbed "trial of the century."
" 'An American Mystery' has the capacity to challenge entrenched attitudes on a topic that has inspired visceral reactions for almost a generation," says Newton. "While we are creating an artistic work, the essence of the film is the search for truth."
Though, according to Newton, Simpson himself expressed interest in being involved with the project, the British helmer could not help but turn him down. "It was easy to determine that OJ's participation is not consistent with our standards. Our goal is to lay bare the facts and have the audience reach their own conclusions," he reasons.
Former NBA star Bo Kimble and former U.S. Representative for California's 33rd Congressional district Diane Watson, "the inspirational force behind the project," will executive produce the movie. NFL legend Rosey Grier and Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis are among those who support Newton's effort.
"An American Mystery" is eyeing a 2014 release.
