WONDER Writer Steve Conrad to Write Film Based on the True Story of 8-Year-Old Ugandan Chess Prodigy

Photo Source: USA Today

Paramount Pictures has teamed with Daily Show host Trevor Noah and producing partner Haroon Saleem through their Day Zero Productions banner to bring the true story of the Adewumi family to the big screen. Steve Conrad, known for writing films such as The Pursuit of Happyness, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Wonder, has been tapped to write the script for the film that will follow the story of Tani Adewumi, an 8-year old Ugandan refugee who was discovered to be a chess prodigy.

Here’s the synopsis:

The drama will tell the story of a Nigerian family that escaped terrorism in their home country, sought and received asylum in America, and — against all odds — found a welcoming new home in New York. Living in a homeless center on religious asylum, their 8-year-old son, Tani, won the 2019 New York State chess championship, despite only being introduced to the game two years prior.

This sounds like an incredibly inspiring story that I can’t wait to see play out in the film. Tani’s autobiography, My Name Is Tani, was released where books are sold earlier this month.

via: Variety