EXCLUSIVE: 20th Century Studios has cast Keira Knightley to star Boston Strangler, a drama written and directed by Matt Ruskin, best known for Crown heights.
Scott Free’s Ridley Scott and Kevin Walsh will produce alongside LuckyChap Entertainment’s Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara. Pic begins filming in December in Boston.
Based on the infamous Boston Strangler murders, this is the true story of Loretta McLaughlin, the first female reporter to connect the murders and reveal the Strangler’s story. She and fellow journalist Jean Cole defied the sexism of the early 1960s to report on the city’s most notorious serial killer and worked tirelessly to keep women informed. Loretta followed the story at great personal risk and uncovered a corruption that cast doubt on the true identity of the Boston Strangler. Ruskin, a Boston native, investigated McLaughlin and Cole by tracking down their families and their actual research from the early 1960s.
Knightly plays McLaughlin. She next stars Silent Nightand voices the title character in Charlotte.
Sam Roston wants to supervise Scott Free and Bronte Payne at LuckyChap. Sarah Shepard oversees 20th century studies.
Knightley is represented by United Agents, Range, and attorney Jason Sloane. Ruskin is represented by UTA and Grandview; LuckyChap is Management 360, CAA and attorney Jeff Bernstein.