Scott Cooper (“Crazy Heart,” “Out of the Furnace”) will direct a feature film about the members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots firefighter crew who perished in last year’s Yarnell Hill wildfire in Prescott, Az.
Lorenzo di Bonaventura (the “Transformers” franchise), Mike Menchel, and Dawn Ostroff and Jeremy Steckler of Conde Nast Entertainment are producing. Ken Nolan, screenwriter of “Black Hawk Down,” is writing the script and Erik Howsam will exec produce for di Bonaventura Pictures.
There was only a single survivor from the 20-man crew in what was to become the largest loss of firefighters since 9/11 and the greatest loss of wildland firefighters in 80 years.
“The heroic and tragic story of the men who gave their lives to protect the community of Yarnell is heartbreaking, compelling and inspiring,” Cooper said. “I look forward to telling their story with the respect, sensitivity and authenticity that these true American heroes deserve.”
Di Bonaventura said in a statement, “The nation came together to mourn the great loss of life by these heroes, but their bonds with each other makes their story so much more extraordinary and compelling.”
The filmmakers are consulting with the families of the Granite Mountain crew members, including the sole survivor Brendan McDonough and the widow of crew leader Eric Marsh, Amanda Marsh.
Cooper is repped by CAA. Nolan is repped by CAA and Kaplan/Perrone. Menchel is a partner at Evolution Entertainment Partners. Ostroff and Steckler are repped by Ziffren Brittenham and CAA.
