Cary Fukunaga To Direct Drama From Brokeback Mountain Scribes

Though the jury’s still out on whether his next film, African drama Beasts of No Nation, will get a theatrical berth following the acrimonious reception theatre chains gave Netflix’s acquisition of the buzzy pic, helmer Cary Fukunaga isn’t slowing down for a second. He’s lined up to direct an untitled drama for A24 that tells the true story of unusual father-son pair Joe and Jadin Bell.

The project, by turns tragic and uplifting, hails from Larry McMurtry and Diana Osanna, best known as the scribes behind gay cowboy drama Brokeback Mountain. Given the involvement of a high-profile director like Fukunaga, who earned near-universal acclaim for his atmospheric work on the first season of HBO’s hit True Detective, it seems clear that A24 has big plans for the title.

Here’s the synopsis:

The project is based upon the true story of Oregonian father-and-son Joe and Jadin Bell. Jadin, a fifteen-year-old openly gay sophomore, took his own life after being both bullied at high school and struggling for acceptance from the people closest to him. In the wake of Jadin’s suicide, Joe is plunged into a sea of remorse and regret. Attempting to work through his grief, Joe sets out on a walk across America, hoping to promote awareness about the consequences of prejudice to anyone he encounters along the way.

In an official statement, A24 said:

“Joe and Jadin Bell’s story is a poignant reminder of how precious life is, and a life-affirming example of love transcending the prejudice and victimization familiar to many. Cary is a truly exceptional filmmaker. We are honored to help bring his vision of this incredible true story to screen. With the legendary talents of Larry and Diana writing the script, we have no doubt this will be a profoundly emotional and unforgettable film.”

Filming is a ways off, given that Fukunaga is next tackling a two-part adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic horror novel IT for New Line, with production set to kick off this summer. However, early signs indicate this will be one worth waiting for.