Variety

/ Variety

By Dave McNary

28 Entertainment has acquired film rights to the autobiography “Code Name: Johnny Walker,” the account of a Navy SEAL translator in Iraq.

The book is written by the Iraqi translator under the pseudonym “Johnny Walker” and co-written by Jim DeFelice, co-author of “American Sniper.” It was published last week by William Morrow, an imprint of Harper Collins.

Producers are 28 Entertainment’s Jay Hoffman, Brian A. Hoffman and Brett Harrison. The book recently debuted on the New York Times best-seller list as one of the top sellers on the nonfiction hardcover and Ebook lists.

The Iraqi translator was welcomed by the SEALs into their tight-knit ranks during the American invasion and the insurgency that followed.

“This is a new and refreshing look at the situation in Iraq, from the Iraqi perspective,” said Brian and Jay Hoffman. “When we heard of ‘Johnny’s’ story from SEALs who had worked with him on the battlefield, we were immediately inspired and knew we wanted to bring his story to the screen.”

DeFelice recently authored the biography “Omar Bradley: General at War.”

28 Entertainment is also developing a biopic on the late country singer George Jones.

Source: http://variety.com/2014/film/news/navy-seal-story-code-name-johnny-walker-getting-movie-adaptation-1201118754/