Oscar-winning screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie ("The Usual Suspects") has been hired by GK Films to adapt the 2009 British miniseries "Unforgiven" for the big screen, a publicist for the company has confirmed to TheWrap.
The story follows a woman whose family is about to be evicted from their farmhouse. When two police officers arrive at her home, there's a confrontation and she winds up killing them. After serving 15 years in prison, she attempts to rejoin society and live quietly with her troubled younger sister. Things don't go as planned, however, as the paroled woman is targeted by one of the slain cop's two sons, who are out for revenge.
Deadline reports that the lead role is being tailored for Angelina Jolie, who has developed a solid working relationship with Graham King's GK Films of late. The Oscar-winning actress next stars opposite Johnny Depp in GK's thriller "The Tourist," which Columbia will release on Dec. 10.
Additionally, Jolie will direct a love story set during the Bosnian war and produce the film with King and his business partner Tim Headington.
Jolie doesn't commit to projects until she sees a finished script, so her involvement in the picture will depend on what direction McQuarrie takes the adaptation, which is reportedly being fast tracked by producers.
Suranne Jones starred in David Evans' original miniseries.
McQuarrie recently finished writing "X-Men Origins: Wolverine 2" for 20th Century Fox, and he also contributed to "The Tourist" script.
Warner Bros. will release GK Films' "The Town" on Sept. 17, and GK currently has Martin Scorsese's 3D adaptation of "Hugo Cabret" in production in London.
McQuarrie is represented by CAA and Key Creatives.
