Weinstein Co. Developing Sniper Story for TV Miniseries

Weinstein Co. will adapt Nicholas Irving’s book 'The Reaper: Autobiography of One of the Deadliest Special Ops Snipers.'

On the heels of the massive success of Warner Bros.' American Sniper, The Weinstein Co. has announced plans to develop another true-life sniper tale for a TV miniseries.

The company will adapt Nicholas Irving’s book The Reaper: Autobiography of One of the Deadliest Special Ops Snipers for a five-night TV series, with production set to begin in the summer of 2015. A network is not yet attached.

Special Operations Direct Action Sniper Irving was the U.S. Army 3rd Ranger Battalion's deadliest sniper. He was the first African American to serve as a sniper in his battalion, and became known as “The Reaper” by the end of his active service. During a four-month period in mid-2009, Irving tallied 33 kills as a master sniper.

Brendan Deneen and Irving's editor at St. Martin's, Marc Resnick, will executive produce the project on behalf of Macmillan Entertainment. Creative executive Lauren O’Connor and Mark Velez, senior vp scripted TV, will oversee production for TWC.

The deal was negotiated by Sarah Sobel, executive vp business and legal affairs, for TWC with Deneen at Macmillan.

“The Reaper is a gripping story about a great American soldier that we are so proud to be a part of," said TWC co-chairman Harvey Weinstein in a statement. "Nick Irving’s true bravery and heroism will make for some of the most riveting television ever seen and inspire patriotism in anyone who experiences it.”

Another story about one of the military's deadliest snipers, American Sniper, had a record-breaking run at the box office, earning $316.2 million worldwide to date. The film, based on the story of Chris Kyle and directed by Clint Eastwood, became the biggest war-themed film of all time, eclipsing the $216.5 million earned by Saving Private Ryan, not accounting for inflation.

Weinstein recently spoke out in support of American Sniper at a panel at Sundance.