Danny Strong, who wrote HBO’s "Recount," will adapt "The Butler" for producer Laura Ziskin. Columbia Pictures has acquired the motion picture rights to Wil Haygood’s Washington Post story "A Butler Well Served By This Election," which chronicles Eugene Allen’s 34-years working at the White House.
Allen worked for eight presidents — from Harry Truman to Ronald Reagan — from 1952 through 1986. In Haygood’s article, which was published days before Obama’s election, Allen and his wife Helene were optimistic about the prospect of a black President. A day before the election, Helene passed away. Haygood will act as an associate producer on the film.
Strong was named one of Variety’s "Top Ten Screenwriters to Watch" of 2007. During his research for "Recount," Strong interviewed high ranking officials from both political parties. He is also an actor who has appeared in shows like "Seinfeld" and "Nip/Tuck."
