Pierce Brosnan To Star In War Drama 'The Last Rifleman'
The film centers around a World War II veteran living in Ireland.
Pierce Brosnan has signed on to star in The Last Rifleman, as first reported by Deadline. The project will be directed by Terry Loane (Mickybo and Me, Game of Thrones, The Woman in White). WestEnd Films has acquired the film's sales rights just ahead of the Toronto International Film Festival which kicks off on September 10.
Inspired by a true story, Brosnan will play Artie Crawford - a World War II veteran residing in an assisted living facility in Northern Ireland who has just lost his wife. On the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Invasion, he decides to escape the home and embark on a journey to France to pay his final respects.
The project is in development with Northern Ireland Screen. Written by Kevin Fitzpatrick, the film is being produced by Katy Jackson and John Leslie from Wee Buns (Zoo, A Patch of Fog). It is co-produced by Jacqueline Kerrin and Dominic Wright from Ripple World Pictures (Never Grow Old).
Oscar nominee Mark Huffam (The Martian), Kevin Jackson (Zoo), Nick Leese, Eloise Singer (Rare Beasts) and Tommy Curran are executive producing.
Production is slated to begin this winter in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Significant contributors include Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck (Shakespeare In Love) and make-up designer Clare Ramsey (The Hobbit trilogy).
“We were highly impressed by Kevin Fitzpatrick’s incredible script and Terry Loane’s great vision for the story and we couldn’t be more excited now that Pierce Brosnan has joined the project,” said WestEnd MD Maya Amsellem.
“When I first read Kevin’s screenplay, I found it to be a beautifully touching story with an honest heart and soul. It is the script that directors search for: a powerful, character-led drama that perfectly balances heart and pathos. The personal price paid by those in the aftermath of war is something that resonates with all ages, all over the world,” director Terry Loane added.
“Bernard Jordan’s daring journey caught the nation’s attention and highlighted the spirit that epitomised the second world war generation. I was enthralled by this story and the motives that drive a man near the end of his life on a quest to a place that must hold only painful memories,” writer Kevin Fitzpatrick stated.
WestEnd will be introducing the film to buyers at the Toronto International Film Festival. WestEnd and CAA are co-repping US rights.