The Weinstein Company today announced that they have acquired television rights to Nicholas Irving’s newly-released autobiographical book “The Reaper: Autobiography of One of the Deadliest Special Ops Snipers.” The book offers the memoir of Special Operations Direct Action Sniper Nicolas Irving, the U.S. Army 3rd Ranger Battalion’s deadliest sniper. The plan is to adapt Irving’s story into a five-night television series event.
The first African American ever to serve as a sniper in his battalion, Irving famously became known as “The Reaper” by the end of his active service. During a 4-month period in mid-2009, Irving tallied an astounding 33 kills as a master sniper, in addition to setting records for enemy kills on a single deployment. His reputation as one of the great military snipers ever is such that he actually has an AR-15 rifle named after him. With his story, Irving gives an inside look at what those in the special operations community go through and the sacrifices they make to their country and families.
“‘The Reaper’ is a gripping story about a great American soldier that we are so proud to be a part of,” says Harvey Weinstein. “It’s a thrill to be teaming up with Brendan Deneen, Marc Resnick and the entire Macmillan team once again for this groundbreaking, multi-night television event. Nick Irving’s true bravery and heroism will make for some of the most riveting television ever seen and inspire patriotism in anyone who experiences it.”
“We’re extremely proud to be Nick Irving’s publisher and very excited to work with the Weinstein Company to bring his incredible story to the screen,” adds Macmillan Entertainment Executive Editor Brendan Deneen.
Deneen and Resnick, Irving’s editor at St. Martin’s, will executive produce the project on behalf of Macmillan Entertainment. Creative executive Lauren O’Connor and Mark Velez, SVP Scripted TV, will oversee production for TWC. The deal for “The Reaper” was negotiated by Sarah Sobel, EVP Business & Legal Affairs, for TWC with Deneen at Macmillan.
Production on “The Reaper” is set to begin this summer.
