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Joseph Gordon-Levittis attached to star in a new film titledWhite Night, which will recount the famed 1978 Jonestown massacre in Guyana.
CarriestarChloë Grace Moretzis also set to star in the film, portraying a member of Jones' inner circle who survived and went on to recount her experiences — which serve as the basis for the film.
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“Debbie [Layton]’s incredible journey with the People’s Temple deserves an audience across generations,' " Amy Nauiokas, CEO of Archer Gray, which is co-producing the film, said in a statement perVariety. “It should serve as warning about the power a certain type of charismatic leader can have and the very real lessons to be learned from our history.”
“When we first read Bill Wheeler’s adaptation, it was seeing this infamous story from Deborah’s point of view that unlocked it psychologically and dramatically. Entering Jim Jones' magnetic orbit through the eyes of an idealistic, passionate young woman reminded us that anyone can fall victim to extremism, given the right circumstances,” said co-producing partner FilmNation’s president of production Ashley Fox, the outlet reports.
RELATED VIDEO: Jonestown survivors Jerry and Tracy Parks recall Jim Jones' plans for mass suicide
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“Anne’s urgent, thrilling vision for the film will makeWhite Nighta propulsive, immersive experience for this moment, while being the definitive portrayal of this timeless story.”
The new movie and casting news appear to be separate from a different project about Jim Jones, housed at MGM, which hadLeonardo DiCaprioinfinal talks to starin November.
As for Gordon-Levitt, he is soon set to portray a different real-life person, Uber founder Travis Kalanick, in the upcoming Showtime limited seriesSuper Pumped: The Battle for Uber.
source: people.com
