Michael Bay's production company Bay Films is developing the action-packed biopic of former US Army Delta Force fighter and drone warfare expert Brett Velicovich for Paramount Pictures.
The true story of how the Iraq War vet and onetime US intelligence specialist used his drone skills to fight terrorists contains never-before-revealed details about ISIS's rise to power, and could be one of the first major projects to accurately portray the group onscreen, reported Variety.
Paramount optioned Velicovich's life rights and upcoming memoir (co-written with Pulitzer Prize-winning Wall Street Journal reporter Christopher S Stewart) for Bay Films to develop.
The studio's six-figure preemptive deal came amidst heavy interest from Ridley Scott's Scott Free Productions, and Brett Ratner and James Packer's RatPac Entertainment, who were circling the project.
It offers a suspenseful account of Velicovich's special ops drone strikes, which targeted some of the world's most wanted terrorists.
After chronicling his wartime service in Iraq and Afghanistan, the story will take readers and moviegoers through his adventures in Somalia and Kenya where, as a civilian, he adapted his drone expertise to capture poachers of African rhinos and other endangered animals.
His memoir was recently approved by the CIA and several other government agencies after a lengthy security review, clearing the way for Bay Films to develop the feature. The book is now expected to be published later this year or next year.
Other upcoming features adapted from real-life war stories include Christopher Nolan's "Dunkirk," the Liam Neeson-toplined "Operation Chromite," the Kate Mara-led "Leavey" and "Thank You for Your Service," helmed by "Sniper" scribe Jason Hall.
