Shock waves recently ripped through the crypto world and international financial markets when news broke of the rapid collapse of FTX — one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange platforms.
With a stupendous amount of customers’ money lost, the crash has become one of the biggest financial scandals of our time. And naturally, Hollywood has pounced to profit off the story themselves.
A series about the FTX implosion is reportedly being developed at Amazon by Joe and Anthony Russo (Avengers: Endgame) and David Weil (another Amazon series, Hunters).
Weil will write the script for the pilot of the show, which is currently set up as an eight-part series, while the Russo brothers will helm the project as directors. The trio will also executive produce under their AGBO banner.
Little is yet known regarding the arc the series will take, though reports say that it might take cues from insider reporting from journalists who’ve followed the now-defunct company through the years since its establishment in 2019. Ongoing investigations have already unearthed internal foul play in the company, owned by the enigmatic Sam Bankman-Fried.
Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said in a statement: “We are excited to be able to continue our great working relationship with David, Joe, Anthony, and the AGBO team with this fascinating event series. I can’t think of better partners to bring this multifaceted story to our global Prime Video audience.”
The Russos added: “This is one of the most brazen frauds ever committed. It crosses many sectors—celebrity, politics, academia, tech, criminality, sex, drugs, and the future of modern finance. At the center of it all sits an extremely mysterious figure with complex and potentially dangerous motivations. We want to understand why.”
Unsurprisingly, when Hollywood has a true story people are already fascinated by fall into their lap – it’s like the true story version of established IP – many companies want a shot at it.
Apple TV is reportedly bidding for the rights to an unreleased book by Michael Lewis where he chronicled his findings on the embattled Bankman-Fried, while there’s also a documentary in the works from Oscar-nominated filmmaker David Darg.
It’s unclear which project will premiere first, although when you’re the directors of the second highest grossing film of all time and are backed by one of the biggest companies in the world, you’re probably a good bet to make it over the line first.
The series will reportedly begin production next Spring. Prior to that, expect to see the Russo’s other Amazon project – spy drama Citadel – premiere soon.
#Peace.Love.FTX
