Solstice Studios (“Unhinged”) has reportedly made a deal for around $20 million for worldwide rights to “Good Joe Bell,” the Toronto Film Festival buzz title which marks the re-teaming of Oscar-winning “Brokeback Mountain” writing team Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana.
The true story tale stars Mark Wahlberg as an average guy from the heartland who has difficulty showing support and acceptance of his teenage son Jadin (Reid Miller) when the youth reveals he is gay. The sophomore and a member of the high school cheerleading squad, the teen was subjected to unmerciful bullying by school jocks.
Joe is ill-equipped to handle things as are school officials who won’t discipline the bullies. After the 15-year-old hangs himself, his father resolves to walk cross country to protest bullying and its dangerous impact on young people who are different – speaking at schools and taking to task not just the bullies but those who watch and do nothing for being just as guilty as they are deeming this acceptable behavior.
The 43-year-old Wahlberg has famously didn’t want a role in the aforementioned “Brokeback Mountain” after reading the script and getting ”creeped out”. “Good Joe Bell,” which also stars Connie Britton and Gary Sinise, is intending to get a proper theatrical release in the upcoming awards season.
Source: Deadline