Jeremy Renner to crack the opioid epidemic in new movie

Renner set to star as journalist David Armstrong, who exposed the Sackler family in his reporting

By Mary Kate Carr  |  May 23, 2022 | 5:22pm
Aux News Opioid epidemic
Jeremy Renner to crack the opioid epidemic in new movie
Introducing Endless Mode: A New Games & Anime Site from Paste
Jeremy Renner Photo: Theo Wargo

Jeremy Renner will take on the Sacklers in a new drama about the investigative journalist who exposed Purdue Pharma’s role in the opioid epidemic, Deadline reports. The latest project to tackle the devastating effects of OxyContin is currently being sold in the Cannes Market.

Renner will star as David Armstrong, the real-life Pulitzer Prize winner who uncovered evidence that the Sackler family was complicit in suppressing information about the highly addictive nature of OxyContin. Armstrong’s years-long investigation exposed Purdue’s prioritization of profit over the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans who have died of prescription painkiller related overdoses.

Per Deadline, the script is being written by married partners Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly, who said in a statement, “The real David Armstrong is a man of utmost integrity. We could not be more thrilled to have Jeremy on board to infuse that same integrity into his portrayal of David. We’re excited to work with such a great team to bring this story to a global audience.”

The project will reunite Renner with 101 Studios, which produces Mayor Of Kingstown. CEO David C. Glasser stated he “can’t think of anyone better than Jeremy Renner to bring David Armstrong’s vital story to audiences.”

Julie Yorn, Head of Production for Expended Media/LBI Entertainment also released a statement saying, “David Armstrong’s honor and conviction are a model of what we should all aspire to, and an example of the importance of speaking truth to power. Aron and Gita’s remarkable vision and passion for this story has found its perfect match in Jeremy Renner. We are proud to be working in partnership with the entire team at 101 on this important story.”

As for Armstrong himself, he said he is “gratified that a movie audience will learn of the story behind this crisis, which has ruined so many lives. I am impressed with the vision Gita and Aron have for making this film and thrilled that an actor of Jeremy’s talent and ability will be a major part of telling this story.”

 
Join the discussion...