Universal Pictures has secured the rights to adapt Mark A. Bradley’s book Blood Runs Coal: The Yablonski Murders and the Battle for the United Mine Workers of America for the big screen, per variety.com. The project has attracted the talents of Cillian Murphy, fresh off his Oscar win, who is set to both star in and produce the film.
The screenplay for “Blood Runs Coal” will be penned by Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth, known for their work on blockbuster hits like Edge of Tomorrow and Ford v Ferrari. The film will delve into the events surrounding a shocking assassination in the late 1960s within Pennsylvania’s coal mines, a pivotal moment in the history of American labour unions.
Producing duties will be shared between John Davis, Jordan Davis of Davis Entertainment, and Murphy himself along with Alan Moloney under Big Things Films. Mark A. Bradley will serve as executive producer for the project.
Cillian Murphy. (Image: John Phillips/Getty Images)This announcement comes as Murphy continues to expand his impressive portfolio, with ongoing and upcoming projects including Oppenheimer,Small Things Like These, and the eagerly awaited “Peaky Blinders” film.
The actor, represented by CAA and other agencies, remains a sought-after talent in both film and television, with fans eagerly anticipating his upcoming endeavours. Deadline broke the story, signalling a promising collaboration between Universal Pictures and this stellar creative team.
