It is unclear whether Haggis will tackle the hot-button political drama next or sandwich in another helming project first. Either way, he will initially supervise scribe James Vanderbilt (“The Rundown”), who is penning a second draft of “Enemies.” Haggis is currently writing “Death and Dishonor” for Warner Bros. Pictures, which he is attached to direct.
Based on Richard A. Clarke’s best-selling memoir, “Enemies” chronicles how the Bush administration handled the al-Qaida threat before and after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Clarke, a former U.S. terrorism czar, offers the ultimate insider’s account into the nation’s security apparatus, featuring a cast of power brokers that includes President Bush, Condoleezza Rice, Donald Rumsfeld and Clarke.
The book was published by Free Press in March 2004 and hit No. 1 on the New York Times best-seller list, fueling intense criticism over the administration’s security failures and its decision to go to war with Iraq.
John Calley is producing through his Sony-based shingle, while Len Sherman is executive producing. Haggis’ manager Larry Becsey will serve in an as-yet-determined producer’s capacity.
Sony’s Doug Belgrad and Rachel O’Connor are shepherding the project for the studio.
In addition to nabbing a best picture Oscar for producing “Crash,” Haggis also won a statuette for penning the film’s original screenplay. His producing credits also include last year’s best picture winner, “Million Dollar Baby.” He is repped by CAA, Becsey and attorneys Peter Dekom and Wayne Alexander.
