Russell Crowe and Harry Lawtey Set to Star in Cold War Thriller BILLION DOLLAR SPY
Walden Media and Akiva Goldsman’s Weed Road Pictures are bringing the real-life Cold War espionage drama Billion Dollar Spy to the big screen, with Russell Crowe and Harry Lawtey set to star.
The film, currently in pre-production, will be directed by Amma Asante (Belle, A Way of Life), with a screenplay by Oscar-winner Stephen Gaghan (Traffic, Syriana), who revised an earlier draft by Ben August.
Based on David E. Hoffman’s bestselling book, Billion Dollar Spy tells the true story of Adolf Tolkachev (Crowe), a Soviet engineer who risked everything to pass thousands of pages of classified Soviet intelligence to the CIA.
Initially dismissed by the agency, Tolkachev persisted, eventually finding an ally in CIA officer Tom Lenihan (Lawtey). His actions played a pivotal role in shifting the power dynamics of the Cold War, proving that heroism often lies in defiance rather than blind loyalty.
Frank Smith, president and CEO of Walden Media said in a statement: “Walden Media has always sought to tell stories of extraordinary courage, and Billion Dollar Spy is no exception.
“Adolf Tolkachev’s bravery reminds us that true heroism often comes at great personal risk, and his legacy is a testament to the power of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming danger. We are especially thrilled to again work with the great Russell Crowe, who is no stranger to tour-de-force performances.”
Goldsman added: “Greg Lessans and I are excited to partner with Walden Media, Amma Asante, and our old friend, the brilliant Russell Crowe, to tell this true story of loyalty and dedication to freedom on both sides of the Iron Curtain.”
Crowe, a three-time Oscar nominee and Best Actor winner for Gladiator, is no stranger to historical dramas, having starred in A Beautiful Mind, The Insider, and L.A. Confidential. He’ll next appear in Walden Media’s Nuremberg alongside Rami Malek and Michael Shannon.
Lawtey is best known for HBO’s Industry, and he has also appeared in The Pale Blue Eye and as Harvey Dent in Joker: Folie à Deux. His next project sees him portraying legendary actor Richard Burton in Mr. Burton.
Source: Deadline