Russell Crowe & Harry Lawtey Set For Cold War Thriller ‘Billion Dollar Spy’
Oscar-winning writer Stephen Gaghan (Traffic, Syriana) wrote the most recent draft, revising a script penned by Ben August. The screenplay is adapted from the bestselling book by David E. Hoffman.
BAFTA Award winner Amma Asante (Belle, A Way of Life, A United Kingdom) will direct. The project is in pre-production.
Set against the high-stakes backdrop of the late Cold War, Billion Dollar Spy follows Adolf Tolkachev (Crowe), an ordinary man who risks everything to pass thousands of pages of top-secret Soviet intelligence to the U.S. Despite repeated rejections by a wary CIA, Tolkachev persisted, embodying the courage to stand against a regime that betrayed its own people. Finally finding an ally in CIA agent Tom Lenihan (Lawtey), Tolkachev was able to fundamentally shift the balance of power, proving that true patriotism lies not in blind allegiance but in the willingness to challenge a government when it strays from its ideals. In an era when resistance and bravery are more relevant than ever, his story resonates deeply.
“Walden Media has always sought to tell stories of extraordinary courage, and Billion Dollar Spy is no exception,” said Frank Smith, president and CEO of Walden Media. “Adolf Tolkachev’s bravery reminds us that true heroism often comes at great personal risk, and his legacy is a testament to the power of standing up for what is right, even in the face of overwhelming danger. We are especially thrilled to again work with the great Russell Crowe, who is no stranger to tour-de-force performances.”
Frank Smith, Benjamin Tappan and Cher Hawrysh of Walden Media are producing alongside Goldsman and Greg Lessans of Weed Road. Jane Hooks will serve as an EP. Pioneer Stillking Films’ Ildiko Kemeny, David Minkowski and Ferenc Szále will serve as co-producers. Hanway Films is handling international sales.