Broadway-Bound Farragut North Is Also Heading to the Silver Screen

By Andrew Gans
October 10, 2007

Beau Willimon's Farragut North, which the New York Post previously reported will arrive on Broadway next season under the direction of Mike Nichols, is also headed to the silver screen.

Variety reports that Warner Bros. is currently developing a screen version of the politically-themed play. Leonardo DiCaprio will star in the film, which will likely be directed by George Clooney. Willimon will also pen the script for the motion picture; the trade magazine says it is unclear whether Clooney will also co-star in the film.

"Farragut North," according to Variety, concerns "a young communications director who works for a fast-rising presidential candidate. During the course of the campaign, the idealistic young man falls prey to the backstabbing and other dirty trickery of seasoned rival politicos."

Farragut North takes its name from the Washington, D.C. subway station that is situated near K Street, where several lobbyists work. Playwright/screenwriter Willimon worked for Howard Dean during his 2004 presidential run. That experience informs the play.

Jake Gyllenhaal has been mentioned to star in the Broadway mounting of Farragut North, although there has been no official announcement about the Main Stem staging.