Production Weekly, in yet another tweet (kudos to whoever is handling that now) has announced that Kurt Russell, Adrien Brody & Sharon Stone are set to star in “Waco” based on the infamous raid on the David Koresh and the Branch Davidians compound by federal agents in Waco, Texas in 1993 after accusations of child abuse and statutory rape surfaced. It resulted in a 51-day standoff. When the federal agents once again raided the compound, many of Koresh’s followers died in the resulting battle after which accusations arose that agents shot those who were trying to flee.
Here’s the synopsis of the film from director Rupert Wainwright’s (“Stigmata,” “The Fog”) website:
WACO will be the first narrative feature film to explore the events of the ATF raid on Mt. Carmel, TX, the 51-day siege that followed, and the devastating compound fire that resulted in the deaths of 81 civilians. The movie cuts between ATF special agents, FBI Negotiators, the Davidians on the inside, the tactical Hostage Rescue Team leaders, and the political machinations in Washington DC.
Wainwright’s website has an wealth of information for the curious and reveals that he has teamed with investigative journalist Lee Hibberd to pen the script and utilized Michael McNulty, who directed the award winning documentary “Waco: The Rules Of Engagement,” as a consultant for the project (trailer below).
The subject matter is fascinating and we’re definitely curious to see where this one goes. “Waco” is set to go in front of cameras this fall.