Fox News Channel host Bill O’Reilly’s latest book Killing Lincoln has been optioned by producer/directors Ridley Scott and Tony Scott. The Scotts will produce a two-hour documentary for National Geographic Channel based on the book, which O’Reilly co-wrote with Martin Dugard. O’Reilly will also serve as an executive producer of the documentary.
Production will begin in the Spring, with the film to debut on the channel in 2013. Nat Geo promises high quality re-enactments, as well as CGI–an element which has become a signature for the Scotts, who have worked on films such as “Alien,” “Bladerunner” and “Top Gun.”
“National Geographic has a great legacy of telling some of history’s most riveting stories,” said O’Reilly in a statement. “The assassination of President Abraham Lincoln is no exception, as it continues to be one of the most significant, life-changing events in America’s young history.”
Update: Worth a mention that News Corp. owns 75% of Nat Geo Channel, with National Geographic owning the remaining 25%.