HBO Films Acquires Rights for Film on George Santos’s Dramatic Downfall
The gripping narrative of George Santos, the former congressman ousted from Congress last week due to deception and campaign fund misuse, is set to hit the big screen as HBO Films secures the rights to “The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos.” Authored by Mark Chiusano, a former Newsday reporter, this captivating tale will be adapted into a feature film produced by Frank Rich, the mastermind behind Emmy-winning shows like “Succession” and “Veep.” The screenplay will be crafted by Mike Makowsky, known for his work on the HBO crime drama “Bad Education.”
Santos, now facing criminal charges, represented part of New York District Three, which includes Great Neck, an area that served as inspiration for the fictional town of Little Egg in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Chiusano described Santos’s story as a tragic narrative, unfolding against the backdrop of ambition, wealth, fame, and the pursuit of an audacious American dream.
The film aims to unravel the complexities of Santos’s political journey, exploring the consequences of veering from moral values and the intricate web of lies that led to his ultimate downfall. As the former congressman’s expulsion triggered legal challenges, the film will delve into post-expulsion actions, including Santos’s tweets about filing complaints against former colleagues for alleged misdeeds.
Reince Priebus, a seasoned political figure and former Trump White House chief of staff, acknowledged internal Republican divisions surrounding Santos’s expulsion. Priebus described Santos as both a victim of his own outspokenness and an individual paying the price for being forthright.
While promising a riveting exploration of Santos’s tumultuous journey, the film will serve as a cautionary tale about ambition, political manoeuvring, and the delicate balance between authenticity and navigating the complexities of public service. New York Magazine, closely tracking Santos’s rise and fall, echoed a sentiment of reflection, quoting Dr. Seuss: “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” The film aims to capture this sentiment, weaving together a narrative that is both compelling and instructive.
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