The Forgotten Soldier Movie is now Official!

[Doug Nash]

This just posted on ScreenDaily.com - international movie industry news, film reviews, global boxoffice --- it's now finally official!

Verhoeven attached to direct The Forgotten Soldier


Mike Goodridge in Los Angeles

21 July 2008 06:00

Paul Verhoeven, whose last film Black Book was one of his most acclaimed in years, has become attached to another World War II story The Forgotten Soldier based on the memoir by Guy Sajer.

The story follows Sajer’s harrowing experiences as a teenager as a French recruit in the German Army on the eastern front during the war.

Michael Frost Beckner, who writing credits include Spy Game, has written the screenplay for the project and will produce alongside his brother John Beckner and Verhoeven. The producers plan to shoot in 2009 on location in Eastern Europe.

Financing and worldwide distribution is being arranged by LA-based executive producer Thomas Augsberger and Eden Rock Media.

The novel is a French classic and was recently cited as one of prime minister Nicholas Sarkozy’s favorite books. Sajer, who is still alive, has never optioned the rights to the book despite strong interest, but is said to have been won over by Verhoeven.

Michael Frost Beckner is represented by Endeavor, Manager Marion Rosenberg represents Verhoeven.

[Dallas]

I hope they don't muck it up.

[McCoy]

As long as they don't screen the Sissy Tom in it they can't go that wrong.

This is indeed great news even if I'm havin' mixed emotions 'bout the book itself. Every new war movie is great news n' from time to time they're even makin' good war movies.

[Tom Houlihan]

I wanna play, I wanna play!!!

This is fantastic!! Ever since I read that book, oh, about 24-25 years ago, I've envisioned every scene over and over again.

I wonder if I should e-mail Verhoeven, so he gets it right?

[vitara]

sounds great i cannot wait for this film to come out
cheers krieg

[Hagen]

Sounds good to me.