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While some actors would capitalize on a box office hit like Law Abiding Citizen by seeking the biggest payday in the marketplace, Gerard Butler is going a different way. He has teamed with director Marc Forster to tell the story of Sam Childers, a former drug-dealing biker tough guy who found God and became a crusader for hundreds of Sudanese children who’ve been kidnapped and pressed into duty as soldiers.
Butler wants to play Childers in Machine Gun Preacher, which Forster will direct from a script he developed with screenwriter Jason Keller. After watching an NBC Dateline news story on Childers’ crusade, producer Robbie Brenner and Keller tracked him down to secure the rights to his memoir Another Man‘s War: The True Story of One Man‘s Battle to Save Children in the Sudan. Childers’ response, according to insiders, was something like, “Who the hell are you, and why the fuck should I trust you with my life story?” Raised by a tough ironworker father and taught to be a brawler with a hatred of bullies, Childers emerged from a dead-end future to become a preacher who found some real bullies to battle. Moved by the stories of the atrocities committed by rebels under the command of Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army, Childers established an orphanage to house 200 children, then formed a militia to protect them, recover other kidnapped kids, and dispense outlaw justice on their captors. The Keller script was developed independently with funding from Gary Safady’s and Craig Chapman’s Kaushi Entertainment. (Safady is a real estate entrepreneur.) Forster and his Apparatus partner Brad Simpson are producing with Brenner, Deborah Giarratana, and the Kaushi duo.
Working with Forster who’s known for coaxing good performances out of actors (i.e. Monsters Ball), Keller turned in a script that hooked Butler who wants the chance to show some acting chops to go with his 300 brawn. If he has his way, Machine Gun Preacher will start production later this year. The package is now being shopped for production financing by CAA and Management 360.
Keller is an up and coming writer who recently turned in a draft on the Fox film about the 1960s rivalry for sportscar supremacy between Ferrari and Ford, Race to the Death. Forster is attached to several projects — The Chancellor Manuscript, and the zombie saga World War Z with Brad Pitt at Paramount, and Angelology at Sony.
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Yikes. The Shite Runner.
shite runner – classic.
Law Abiding Citizen made $73M domestic and $9M int’l on a $50M production budget. Does that qualify as a box office hit? And Butler will next be seen in The Bounty Hunter which looks exactly like a payday gig.
What he said.
I wasn’t aware that with Mike Fleming, Deadline Hollywood would become yet another outlet for retarded PR release vomit. Instead of truth and well-founded opinions on the industry, the posts by Fleming are nothing more than the re-urgitated crap of someone who seems to be holding hands with his favourite inside people.
Butler has his own reasons for choosing a project. He went into The Bounty Hunter right after Law Abiding Citizen (which hadn’t been released yet so how can you call BH a “payday gig”?) so was probably looking for something a little more lighthearted.
Given what little I know about Butler, the material would appear to be a good fit, coupled with the opportunity to work with a director like Marc Forster, who is not only known for getting good performances from his actors but, like Butler, transcends genres; these factors seem compelling enough for him to want to be involved. I hope this happens. I look forward to it.
Post 1 – as far as I know a box office hit is defined by making more domestically than the movie cost so yes, LAC is indeed a box office hit (and on the same note a movie that cost 200 Mio and makes 150 Mio is not). I think the international numbers still will go up for this one once boxofficemojo has caught up on its glitches with international numbers and LAC still has to open in several big countries. Also do not forget that LAC is considered an independent movie and has by far surpassed any other movie Overture Films ever distributed. It’s a big hit for them. Just look at
http://www.boxofficemojo.com/studio/chart/?studio=overturefilms.htm
to get an idea.
The George Clooney/Ewan MCGregor starrer “Men Who Stare At Goats” which was released by the same distributor and with about the same amount of promotion made less than half what LAC made which I think is pretty telling. Besides as much as the critics hated LAC it is really amazing how well that movie did (and same was true for Butler’s The Ugly Truth… though nobody was able to save the disaster that was Gamer…) so yes I can see why producers would take a chance with Butler. I just really hope that he is working on his acting chops. I believe he has it in him from some of his earlier performances but he hasn’t shown it lately.
Sid, Go to http://www.angelsofeastafrica.com then ask yourself if your criticism is warranted
Hear Mr. B’s a righteous dude and he proved with “300″ — he can kick butt. And at least he’s putting his money (or someone else’s money) where his mouth is and taking a chance. Butler’s actually one of a handful of really ballsy man’s men actor hero — not a pale pretty boy immitation. He’s the type of guy, guys wanna be and women wanna be with. Not vice versa.
It’s cool, Fleming. I didn’t break this story a month ago or anything like that. A standard Finke “TOLDJA” is probably in order, but that just seems like too much irony for one day.
Gerry is a wonderful storyteller, and this sounds like it’s right up his alley. He doesn’t cash in on his own success; he simply wants to make good movies. I can’t wait for this one.
Sounds intriguing. Something I’d go see and it’ll probably be good because it sounds like if they don’t get it right they’ll have hell to pay from the Preacher.
Don’t you just love fluffy press releases?
Gerard Butler: only talk about 300. Not Gamer or The Ugly Truth or … Marc Forster? Don’t mention Quantom of Solace! Monster’s Ball, that’s what the viewers want to be reminded of.
OTOH – fluffy pr isn’t what I come here for… I get that directly from the source or anywhere else on the net.
What are you talking about? If the article is about box office potential, both Marc Foster’s Quantum of Solace and Gerald Butler’s The Ugly Truth were hits.
Quantum oF Solace Worldwide Gross was $586,090,727
The Ugly Truth Worldwide Gross was $205,298,669
Butler’s next film will be Ralph Fiennes ‘Coriolanus’ which starts production sometime this March.
Such a shame that this BS merchant Sam Childers is getting his movie. The script and the memoir were the idea of Dean McCreary who went to Africa to find Childers and investigate his mission. McCreary put the book deal together, wrote the initial draft of the memoir, and the initial screenplay, and arranged all the representation. Childers then stabs McCreary in the back, walks with all the material and makes a secret deal for a lot of money. Childers is an ego-maniacal con artist.
I googled Dean McCreary and couldn’t find anything on him. Would appreciate any info I could read by him – thanks.
You obviously haven’t met Sam. He’s an amazing and humble person. I spent the last two weeks with him at the orphanage and the last thing he cares about is money. If people want to give, that’s good. If not, he really doesn’t care. He’ll find another way to support the children. He’s been doing that for the last 13 years. His home almost got foreclosed on once because all his money went to Africa. And what’s he do with the next house payment? It was wired to the orphanage. Sam isn’t anything like you just said. Meet him once and you’ll know that. This is an amazing story and it’s great it’s finally getting out there. Before you talk bad about him, get your facts straight and get to know him.
Dear Anon – Who is this Dean guy? I’ve followed Sam Childers and his Angels of East Africa, all over the country and in Australia. I supported his Jesse James Africa bike campaign that traveled all over the country educating high school and college students about the conflict in Sudan especially affecting children. Sam Childers and his family have sacrificed everything for the children of Sudan. I too have personally visited his orphanage in Sudan and it’s amazing. He’s the real deal but obviously you are not. I’ve also read his book, Another Man’s War, and I’ve never read anything in Sam’s book about this guy you say is responsible for Sam’s book and movie. Obviously, you don’t have your facts straight and God help this Dean guy – he must be so embarrassed that you are misrepresenting information …about him.
Wow. I was informed of this ongoing dialogue and feel compelled to respond. Sam Childers is a man of boundless compassion and unerring courage in a world that lacks both. True, I spent time with Sam at his home and in Sudan and grew to love and respect him for the real world hero he is. I wish nothing but the best for he and his family, who have sacrificed so much to make a difference for the children of Sudan and the men and women that support their mission. I am overjoyed by the fact that his story, and the stories of the children that he has rescued, is finally being told. And who better than Forster and Butler to bring Sam’s story to life! The who, what and where’s are irrelevant. So I say to the rest of you who feel compelled to comment, please stop. If you want to contribute, make a donation to Sam’s mission at http://www.angelsofeastafrica.org or, barring that go see what will surely be a film worthy of Sam Childers. God bless…
R. Dean McCreary
Anon, if your friend (who is probably you) is the opposite of an “Ego-Maniac” then he would be spending as much time as Pastor Sam in the Bush risky his Life (Self-lessly) for others – your criticism doesn’t hold water when you really know Sam Childers – You must have some “unforgiven ‘ax’ to grind so you are taking a ‘cheap shot’. Who’s the coward?
Sounds like a good project, I hope it gets made with Gerard Butler and Marc Foster.
A note about Law Abiding Citizen according to the site The Numbers the movie has made $98.2 million to date. (9.1 million in the U.K. alone). http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/2009/LACTZ.php Since the movie is not being distributed by a major studio it’s having a slow release internationally. I expect it will make another $25 million by the time it finishes its run. Butler has had a pretty good year at the box office with his films on track to make well over $350 million worldwide.
Gerard Butler is the right person for this role. He has proven that he can get tough as nails if he needs to be; and he loves stories with a “cause”. Just give him a black leather jacket or army fatigues and he is right at home and “in” character. He was born to “Kick ass”.
Wasn’t “Law Abiding Citizen” his bigger paycheck? He took the money on that, Gamer, The Ugly Truth, and the upcoming Bounty Hunter with Jennifer Aniston (and getting a voice work check for How to Train Your Dragon). After Gamer, Truth, and Citizen, I think he should probably want to get himself into a good film rather than looking for the short term money.
Finally!! There are producers like Craig Chapman & Gary Safady taking chance’s on films that actually make a difference. I hope to see more movies like The Book of Eli & Machine gun preacher in 2010.
you will. there is a production company that just opened up in los angeles who’s business model is geared for these types of films. also like slumdog or blood diamond.
He needs to run back to GYM JONES and get back into shape and stop taking that easy payday or he’ll be doing CRANK IV pretty soon.
RE the box office “hit” discussion of LAC; in order to determine profitability you factor in not only the production cost (in this case 53 mill) but the MARKETING costs–prints and advertising, as they say. Also, as most know, the NET return of box office GROSS is roughly half of the domestic and I’m not sure what the net percentage is typically from international, but lets say 60%.(anyone know this figure?) So, if it grossed 73 mill here that’s about 36 mill,net, and foreign is around 15..that’s $51 million.. ..doesn’t even cover the $53 mil it cost to produce. And lets say Mike is right and it grosses another 25 foreign (unlikely, but ok)..so that’s another net 15 ..so now we’re all the way up to 66..hm..lets throw in post-theatrical revenue streams(dvds, etc)..even then..those pesky p&a costs gotta be covered too, and if there were any gross playahs(not likely but again who knows)
So, not terrible, but not a ‘hit,’ i/m/o
RE: Butler as a leading man/movie star..jury’s still out for me, but this sounds like a cool role.
Good performances in Monsters Ball? Are you brain dead? Just another lefty sweetie who appeals to all the Hollywood sweeties.
“There are producers like Craig Chapman & Gary Safady taking chance’s on films that actually make a difference…” these Christian tools only provided money to get close to a man that they only wish they had the conviction to be. Everyone involved with this project are pretenders, anxious to redeem their own tainted, pointless souls by capitalizing on the work of one man, who does whatever is necessary to rescue children. Forget who the producers have screwed in the process. Mark Forester and Gerard Butler have no idea how Sam’s story actually came about and who it was that first wanted to tell his story. It’s a sad chain of events that started with an earnest desire to tell an amazing story and eventually lead to dishonesty, deceit and misrepresentation. I have watched the story unfold from it’s inception and weep for what could have been for the children of Southern Sudan and the men who stepped forward to bring Sam’s story to the world. The mismanagement and greed of those leading the charge is a pitiful representation of basic human behavior. Sam does what he does and saves the lives of children. The producers involved in this project only serve their own ends. One can only hope that God is watching. Tread lightly, gents. Sudan is brutal but that’s to be expected. Hollywood? I’d rather take my chances with the LRA.
Any good project comes with a a mixed bag of opinions…Many people on this blog are focusing on the film alone…That should not be the case. Although this is a high profile project, that seem to have the components to provide strong returns through out the world market place, the reason that it is being made is to highlight the the issues that Rev. Childers is fighting to correct. Having a strong understanding of the current financial climate of the industry I can say this, if this project was being lead by PIGS in it specifically for their own self interests “as some might believe”, the film would never get made. Knowing a few of the people making this film, I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, they only became involved because they believed first in the cause and secondly in their own abilities to set this film up. They did that to highlight the issues going on in Uganda/Sudan to the people of the world in the hope that they might spark a difference by provoking people to action…Personal agendas have been set aside to get this film made…People have work honestly and diligently to bring Sam’s amazing story to the world, not for his sake but for the sake of the children he is trying to save…God will determine who gets the recognition for this project…As the fate of this project is in his hands…When stating an opinion, your facts should be straight…You are clearly the one with an agenda trying to direct focus to a place were it should not be…Try to remember its about the children!!!!!!
Amen!
Seeing the crowd reaction to the trailer for Bounty Hunter… a lot of GROANS. Not in the good way either. The script was a mess when it went into production and neither of the actors ever seemed happy onset. It will open to the single digits at best and maybe top out at 13 million overall in its theatrical run.
Well todate, TBH has made over $136 million ww and #1 for dvd sales and rental for 2 weeks in a row. I don’t know why so much negativity. I pray this movie will change lives. I know Mr. Butler will give his all to get this message out. He is a gifted actor that will be able to bring Sam Childers and his message of a life changed by God alive on the screen. Pray for the children and for Sam Childers.
looking forward to it!
For an in-depth look at Joseph Kony and the LRA, see the book, First Kill Your Family: Child Soldiers of Uganda and the Lord’s Resistance Army.
I’m looking forward to seeing the movie. I hope it makes a difference
This should be right up Gerry’s alley! Gerry is one to give to lend his name and talent to causes and playing a preacher who saves children of the Sudenese should be a dream role for him.
I can’t wait to see this pix in the works.
A friend of mine knows Sam Childers and has visited his orphanage in Africa. I pray this movie gets the word out there about Sam’s orphanage and the horror these kids have been through. I recommend reading the book. Hopefully this movie will give Sam the means to help more children. Sam has a website where donations can be made that go directly to supporting the organage. It’s a great cause. Look forward to seeing the movie.
This is an awesome story about a man that changed his life, then went on to save children. If told properly this film will show people how they can change their lives and do something good for humanity. Sure sam may not be your typical preacher but a typical preacher would not do what he does. God is watching and all the naysayers will see this one will be a hit! Im sorry people feel the way they do but hey maybe gerrard and marc are on to something> Good Luck Guys this is an awesome story!!!!
So good to see guys like Marc Forster and Gerard Butler NOT going for the easy payday and instead using their clout and talent to make a movie that will make a difference!! This might be one of those times where Hollywood produces something that not only does well at the box office… but changes a part of the world for the better!!!
Big props to Forster and Butler on this one!!!!!! Very inspiring and other filmmakers should take note.