'Galveston' novel headed to the big screen

"Galveston" was the award winning debut novel of Nic Pizzolatto, writer and executive producer of HBO series True Detective. "Galveston" was the award winning debut novel of Nic Pizzolatto, writer and executive producer of HBO series True Detective. Photo: Scribner Photo: Scribner Image 1 of / 14 Caption Close 'Galveston' novel headed to the big screen 1 / 14 Back to Gallery

New York-based Jean Doumanian Productions announced this week the company will make a movie version of the award-winning novel "Galveston."

Written by Nic Pizzolatto, an acclaimed author and creator of HBO's "True Detective," "Galveston" is slated to star Belgian heartthrob Matthias Schoenaerts.

Schoenaerts, who has two Golden Globe nominations to his name, is most famous for his role in "Rust and Bone," which also starred Oscar winner Marion Cotillard.

"Galveston" follows Roy Cady, a low-level crime enforcer, who flees to New Orleans along with two women after he learns his boss wants him dead. The trio's escape begins just as Hurricane Ike marches up the Gulf coast.

According to the book's cover, "Roy, Rocky and her sister hide in the battered seascape of Galveston's country-western bars and fleabag hotels, a world of treacherous drifters, pickup trucks and ashed out hopes."

Pizzolatto, a New Orleans native and LSU graduate, is the writer and executive producer of the HBO series "True Detective," which stars Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson.

“Galveston” is Pizzolatto’s first novel and was one of three finalists for the 2010 Barnes & Noble Discover Prize.

Producers say filming will begin in the spring, but have yet to confirm exact locations.

Galveston officials said if they decide to come to the island, it will be a boost for the economy.

"Film projects, especially large ones, contribute hotel and motel dollars and increase sales tax," said Brian Kunz, Galveston's film liason manager.

Kunz said even if the movie doesn't portray Galveston in a positive light, it will likely be entertaining for the city's residents.

"Galveston has a pretty gritty past, there's no question about that, movies typically just add to the legend," he said.