Oscar-winning filmmaker Alexander Payne (Sideways, The Descendants) is in talks with Amazon Studios to direct The Burial, a drama based upon the real life exploits of Mississippi personal injury lawyer Willie Gary.
A rags to riches, David vs. Goliath story, The Burial will follow Gary as he takes on the case of Jeremiah O’Keefe, the owner of a local funeral home who claimed to have been swindled by a major funeral conglomerate. Gary eventually won the case, and a $500 million settlement, later reduced to $200 million, earning him the nickname ‘The Giant Killer’.
The Burial was originally developed at Warner Bros., before being picked up by Amazon for its streaming service. Bobby Shriver, Jenette Kahn and Adam Richman are producing.
Payne’s last film Downsizing, starring Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, Kristen Wiig, Hong Chau and Jason Sudeikis, was released back in December to mixed reviews.
Originally published March 18, 2018. Updated March 17, 2018.
