Paul Greengrass (“News of the World”) will direct the adaptation of “Night at Camp David,” based on the 1965 novel by Fletcher Knebel that evokes the Donald Trump presidency, according to an individual with knowledge of the project.
Greengrass will also produce the project with frequent collaborator Gregory Goodman. The duo have previously worked together on the “Jason Bourne” franchise and “Captain Phillips.”
Jed Mercurio, who created Richard Madden’s hit British police political-thriller television series “Bodyguard,” is writing the script. Universal’s executive vice president of Production Matt Reilly will oversee the project on behalf of the studio.
The synopsis for “Night at Camp David” is as follows: “One man in the free world has the power to launch a nuclear war that might destroy civilization: the President of the United States. What if that man were mentally unbalanced? This is the horrifying possibility that faces Jim MacVeagh, a young senator from Iowa, after his puzzling midnight conference with President Mark Hollenbach at Camp David.” The book was republished in 2018 during the Trump presidency to capitalize on claims the president was mentally unstable and unfit for office.
Greengrass’ “News of the World” stars Tom Hanks and recently garnered four Oscar nominations in the production categories.
Paul Greengrass is represented by CAA and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher, LLP.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.
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