Alan Wenkus, a writer and co-exec producer on “Straight Outta Compton,” is on board to adapt Iraqi War drama “Code Name: Johnny Walker” for 28 Entertainment.
Producers are meeting with buyers about the project at the Toronto Film Festival. 28 Entertainment acquired the movie rights to the book early last year, shortly after publication by William Morrow.
“Code Name: Johnny Walker,” the account of a Navy SEAL translator in Iraq, has been on The New York Times bestseller list. The book is written by the Iraqi translator under the pseudonym “Johnny Walker” and co-written by Jim DeFelice, co-author of “American Sniper.”
Producers are 28 Entertainment’s Jay Hoffman, Brian A. Hoffman and Brett Harrison.
The Iraqi translator was welcomed by the SEALs into their tight-knit ranks during the American invasion and the insurgency that followed. The translator took part in more than 1,000 missions over a six-year period.
Wenkus has story credit on “Straight Outta Compton” along with S. Leigh Savidge and Andrea Berloff. Jonathan Herman and Berloff have screenplay credit. He’s known for performing uncredited script polishes and has several projects in development, including Ted Williams biopic “Teddy Ballgame” and a remake of the action film “Dolemite.”
The news about “Code Name: Johnny Walker” was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
Source: http://variety.com/2015/film/news/straight-outta-compton-writer-code-name-johnny-walker-1201591982/