PremiumKeira Knightley joins Ridley Scott-produced film based on serial killer Boston Strangler
The film is based on an investigative reporter’s efforts to report the serial killer’s murders in the 1960s.
Last Updated: 11.45 AM, Oct 05, 2021
Kiera Knightley will star as the lead of an upcoming project on the notorious serial killers, the Boston Strangler, produced by filmmaker Ridley Scott. The drama is written and directed by Matt Ruskin, and will go on floors in December.
Deadline writes that the story will chronicle investigative reporter Loretta McLaughlin’s, who was the first to break the story of the Strangler’s crimes. She and her co-worker Jean Cole were among the first to realise that the murders in the city were committed by one person alone.
The story will explore that despite the sexism that was rampant in the ‘60s and in her profession, McLaughlin worked hard to keep women updated on the killer. The story will also shed light on how corruption played a big role in derailing her investigation, and interfering in her efforts to uncover the Strangler’s identity.
Knightley will play McLaughlin here. This is not the first time that the Academy Award nominee has played a real-life figure onscreen. She has previously played English cryptanalyst Joan Clarke in The Imitation Game (2014) and Georgina Cavendish in The Duchess (2008).
Ruskin, a Boston native, has consulted the two reporters’ families while researching for the film. He has also studied the reports that were put forth by McLaughlin and Cole in the ‘60s.
Sam Roston will produce via Scott Free, Bronte Payne via LuckyChap, and Sarah Shepard will represent 20th Century Studios.
Knightley’s next is Silent Night, which recently premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film, which follows a family’s Christmas dinner in the country, also stars Lily Rose-Depp. Knightley is also part of the animated World War II drama Charlotte’s voice cast.