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EXCLUSIVE: Radar Pictures is producing an adaptation of Larry Loftis’ bestseller Into the Lion’s Mouth: The True Story of Dusko Popov – World War II Spy, Patriot, and the Real-Life Inspiration for James Bond, which The Karate Kid and Pink Panther 2 filmmaker Harald Zwart will direct.
Loftis is writing the script, based on his book.
Into the Lion’s Mouth follows Dusko Popov, a double agent during World War II who was also a suave and sophisticated playboy while secretly spying for both the British and the Germans. In a daring twist, Dusko betrays the Germans and helps bring down the Nazi regime.
“The most remarkable aspect of this story is that it is entirely true,” said Zwart. “Thanks to Larry Loftis’ meticulous research and compelling writing, the narrative not only presents facts but also uncovers historical insights that may have previously gone unnoticed. It feels as if you’re witnessing a thrilling James Bond film—yet it all actually happened. For filmmakers, it’s a dream scenario: to portray a sensational historical story without the risk of being accused of distorting facts for cinematic flair or speculative dramatization.”
Ted Field, Maria Frisk, Michael Napoliello and Jeremi Orlowski will produce through Radar Pictures.
Radar counts some $10 billion in global box office during its three-decade run across 60-plus movies including the Jumanji and Riddick franchises as well as The Last Samurai. Field is currently producing several TV series including Robert Jordan’s The Wheel of Time, one of Amazon’s top series worldwide.
Radar is repped by Buchwald. Zwart is repped by The Arlook Group.