Variety reports that playwright David Mamet will pen the screenplay for the film that involves a high-stakes business deal that evolves into a kidnapping. Scott Rudin is set to produce the film for Miramax. Casting is not yet underway. Mamet's most recent film "Redbelt" premiered earlier this year. The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright is also having a busy year with the current revival of Speed-the Plow and the forthcoming revival of American Buffalo.
Nichols' latest screen credit was the Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts film "Charlie Wilson's War." He staged the 2008 revival of Odets' The Country Girl, as well as the hit musical comedy Spamalot, which is currently running on Broadway through January 2009.
