The Marching Powder film, was a planned movie adaptation of the book of the same name by Rusty Young, which had been given the green light to be released on a number of occasions. Initially, it was being created by Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B Entertainment, along with Periscope Entertainment and Crescendo Productions.
Don Cheadle (Iron Man 2, Swordfish, Oceans Eleven and Hotel Rwanda) had been earmarked as the imprisoned drug smuggler Thomas McFadden, as well as being the Producer for the film originally. However, there were also rumours that 12 Years A Slave star, Chiwetel Ejiofor, would be taking on the lead role of McFadden.
AdvertisementThe rights to the movie adaptation of the book had been in the hands of Plan B Entertainment, who worked with New Regency on 12 Years A Slave, but there hasn’t been any update on the project for a while, so it’s possible that either Pitt’s company has passed the baton on for this one or it’s sitting on the project with no plans to continue.
The Marching Powder film latest news
The production is currently shrouded in nothingness, so the likelihood of a full cinematic release date for the project is slim. The same goes for more cast details, like would play Rusty Young. Brazilian director Jose Padhila had been attached to write and direct the movie when it is eventually released, but we’ll have to wait and see if that’s still the case if it ever gets off the ground.
AdvertisementThe plot would be based on the book of the same name (read our Marching Powder book review for more information), which follows McFadden’s bizarre incarceration in Bolivia’s “most notorious prison”, San Pedro. It’s where the finest cocaine in Bolivia is produced, cells are a part of the property ladder and tourist visits are available to passing backpackers as advertised in the Lonely Planet travel guide.
The story picks up as Thomas is double crossed by a Police official in La Paz just as he is about to pull off a large drug run out of Bolivia, leading him to be sent to San Pedro to await a lengthy trial and appeal process. Documenting his brutal first experiences of prison life, right the way through to his move up the prison pecking order, and eventual tour guide status, Marching Powder is a great insight into a hole of a different world and the film should see it get a whole new appreciation.
AdvertisementThe book itself was written by Rusty Young when he visited McFadden in San Pedro towards the end of his prison sentence, having heard his story on the traveller grape vine from his home in Australia. Visiting him as frequently as he could, Rusty eventually managed to pull together enough of the details, despite the growing suspicion of the guards, to write the story in full.
According to the Marching Powder Facebook page neither Thomas McFadden or Rusty Young have creative control over the film. However, they are consultants for the production, so hopefully it will have some of the same humour, brutal realism and insight that the book had.
The screenplay was being written way back in 2009, but little is known about when the film will be going into production – if it ever does – let alone when it will be getting its release date. More information on the Marching Powder film will be added as it becomes available. You can find out more about Rusty Young at his website www.rusty-young.com/.
All I know is that there are a lot of people in Australia that are waiting for this movie to appear on the big screen! We have all read this book and have agreed this is one to appear on the big screen….no matter how many times we read this….we still cannot stop! WAITING……
I read this book on holiday years ago and found it was that good I just started from the beginning again! o hear this could be turned in to a film is very exciting. I just hope they DO manage to capture the humour and realism McFadden and Rusty got over so well. I await in anticipation!! bring it on!
I have read this book twice’ thinking of maybe a third time it’s taking that long for the film to come out hope they do it justice. Unlike mr nice were try have not quite captured the book. Decent film but not a patch on the book… Marching powder one of my best reads by far if you like this try (Howard marks) mr nice cracking read….
the madest book i’ve ever read .just could’t put it down .strange but true, you couldn’t make this up.buy it
the book is unreal, just mad what goes on
Best book I’ve read by far. I read it whilst i was in jail in the UK, it made me feel better about my situation.
i always said it would make a great movie, but Don Cheadle… Come on!
I love this book and am excited to see it come to life! Let’s just hope Brad doesn’t muck it up like he did WWZ.
A good story, yes. But having spent time with both Rusty and Thomas in Bogota, it certainly kills any hype for me. One is a lying, cheating, selfish, mad f**k and the other is a paranoid w**k stain from Australia who can lacks any humor in real life.
I’ll watch the film, but only through downloading it for free.
Good for you Clare. Fluffing troll
Best book I’ve read by far. I read it whilst i was in pentonville prison in london england, it made me feel much better about my situation but the make you laugh one minute and cry the next has to has to be captured in the film!!! cant wait!!
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Yes! so excited about the movie! I hope some proceeds go to inmates of San Pedro!