According to Deadline, Gavin O’Connor (Warrior) has signed on to direct the upcoming World War II drama Atlantic Wall for Imperative Entertainment, while Bradley Cooper (War Dogs) is on board to star. The film’s script, written by Zach Dean, found its way onto the 2015 Black List, which is an annual list of the best motion picture scripts that have yet to be produced.
The story centers around a paratrooper (presumably played by Cooper) who, just hours before D-Day, finds himself behind enemy lines. He is tasked with delivering intelligence “critical to the outcome of the war, and he is compelled to fulfill a promise to protect the young son of a murdered ally.”
The outlet confirms that the film will be produced by Dan Friedkin and Bradley Thomas of Imperative and Adam Kolbrenner of Madhouse Entertainment. On the project, Friedkin said, “We’re thrilled Imperative is bringing Atlantic Wall to life on screen with a talented filmmaker like Gavin. Bradley’s phenomenal track record speaks for itself. He’s perfect to portray our complicated, often reluctant hero. We can’t imagine better creative partners.”
This will be Cooper’s return to the war film after his Oscar-nominated portrayal of Chris Kyle in American Sniper.
O’Connor most recently helmed Ben Affleck in The Accountant, which garnered mixed reviews but opened to decent box office numbers. Currently, the movie has grossed $144 worldwide on a $44 million budget, which puts it way ahead of O’Connor’s other 2016 release, the poorly-received box office flop Jane Got a Gun.
Originally published November 30, 2016. Updated April 16, 2018.
