DirectorKevin Macdonald’s true story dramaPrisoner 760is taking greater shape, as the casting ofJodie Foster,Tahar Rahim, andShailene Woodleywas announced today. Foster is an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA winner. Rahim, known for his work inThe Looming TowerandMary Magdaleneis a BAFTA nominee. He’ll be seen in two forthcoming Netflix projects:The Serpent, where he’ll play heinous serial killerCharles “The Serpent” Sobhraj, followed byDamien Chazelle’s (La La Land) Netflix miniseriesThe Eddy. And Woodley, of HBO’sBig Little Lies, was Emmy and Golden Globe nominated for her performance in the series.
Foster has been very selective over the past decade. She’s opted to take roles in only four films since 2011. That suggests this project could be a special one.
The trio will join the likes ofBenedict Cumberbatchin the film, with a script penned by former60 MinutesproducerMichael Bronner. Bronner previously produced threePaul Greengrassprojects, for which he also provided research:United 93,Green Zone, andCaptain Phillips. Macdonald has extensive experience in nonfiction as well. With a long list of feature-length documentaries on his résumé, he also helmed 2006’s critically acclaimedThe Last King of Scotland.
Here’s an official synopsis forPrisoner 760, with the roles of the new cast noted:
Prisoner 760 tells the explosive true story of a fight for survival against all odds. Captured by the US government, Mohamedou Ould Slahi (Rahim) languishes in prison for years without charge or trial. Losing all hope, Slahi finds allies in defense attorney Nancy Hollander (Foster) and her associate Teri Duncan (Woodley). Together, they face countless obstacles in a desperate pursuit for justice. Their controversial advocacy, along with evidence uncovered by formidable military prosecutor, Lt. Stuart Couch (Cumberbatch), eventually reveals a shocking and far reaching conspiracy.
The film will be based onMohamedou Ould Slahi’s New York Times best-selling memoir,Guantánamo Diary.
Cumberbatch and Bronner will produce the film along withAdam Ackland(The Current War: Director’s Cut),Leah Clarke(Ironbark),Lloyd Levin(2019’sHellboy),Beatriz Levin, andMark HolderandChristine Holder(Beasts of No Nation).
Principal photography is set to begin on December 2nd in South Africa.
