According to Variety, Branded Pictures Entertainment has tapped Rod Lurie (The Contender, The Last Castle, Straw Dogs) to direct Hate (A Love Story), which will tell the true story of Al Snyder, a man who sued the Westboro Baptist Church after members of the hate group protested the funeral of his son, a marine killed in Iraq. He ultimately lost the case, with the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in favor of the church and its founders, the Phelps family, on the grounds of freedom of speech.
“The first amendment is the FIRST amendment for a reason — our most cherished right,” said Lurie. “But it often creates muddy and uncomfortable situations, ones that are the source of great drama and national self-reflection.”
“This story makes allies out of the gay and military communities, as the Westboro Baptist Church’s assault on the First Amendment turns out to be an attack on both,” added producer J. Todd Harris. “I’m a long-time fan of Rod, a thoughtful patriot who gravitates toward stories of righteousness. He’s perfect for this movie.”
Hate (A Love Story) is the second project about the Westboro Baptist Church to be announced this year, with Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man) set to direct This Above All, a biopic of former church member Megan Phelps-Roper, the granddaughter of founder Fred Phelps.
Photo Credit: JCWilmore
