AFM 2012: Paul Giamatti, Billy Bob Thornton, Jacki Weaver to Star in JFK Pic 'Parkland'

Playtone's John F. Kennedy feature Parkland has found its cast and financing.

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Paul Giamatti, Billy Bob Thornton and Jacki Weaver have signed on to star in the film, which Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman are producing via Playtone.

Exclusive Media has come aboard to finance and produce Parkland, and will introduce the project to foreign buyers attending the American Film Market, which runs Wednesday through Nov. 7 in Santa Monica. Exclusive holds worldwide rights.

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As part of the deal, Exclusive has optioned the rights to the book wthat provides the source material for the film – the epic Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy, by renowned author and former prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi.

Bugliosi, a three-time Edgar winner, also wrote Helter Skelter, And the Sea Will Tell and Outrage.
 
Parkland recounts the true story of the chaotic events that occurred at Parkland Hospital in Dallas on the day Kennedy was murdered in November 1963. The film, to be shot in Austin, is eyeing a 2013 theatrical release timed to the 50th anniversary of the assassination.

"Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman are two exceptional producers with great taste so we are delighted to be collaborating with them on this fascinating film about such a significant chapter in American history," said Exclusive Media co-chairmen Nigel Sinclair and Guy East. 

Giamatti is repped by UTA and managed by Perri Kipper; Thornton by WME; and Weaver by ICM Partners and Elevate Entertainment.