George Clooney is helping shine light on the UK phone-hacking scandal, directing a film based on Guardian reporter Nick Davies’ account of the massive Rupert Murdoch hacking ring on many celebrities.
Clooney will direct the film Hack Attack, which is being made by Sony Pictures. He will also produce with Grant Heslov for their Smokehouse banner.
According to Variety, production will start in 2015 on the film about Murdoch’s now defunct News of the World publication, which hacked into celebrities, political figures and even unsuspecting British citizens’ voicemails in order to publish tabloid stories on them.
“This has all the elements – lying, corruption, blackmail – at the highest levels of government by the biggest newspaper in London,” Clooney said in a statement. “And the fact that it’s true is the best part. Nick is a brave and stubborn reporter and we consider it an honor to put his book to film.”
Davies investigated News Corp. and News Intl. for six years before pulling the lid off of their scheme.
Back in June, actor Jude Law testified in the trial of two former News of the World editors, Andy Coulson and Rebekah Brooks.
Privacy is a hot button in Hollywood right now, especially with the recent nude photo leaks of stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Upon.
image via INFphoto.com