Film rights to NYT bestselling journalist Diana Henriques' THE WIZARD OF LIES, about Bernie Madoff, from her personal prison interviews, as well as several friends, associates and family members; to HBO for Robert De Niro to play Madoff, by Hotchkiss and Associates on behalf of Frederica S. Friedman & Company.
DEADLINE HOLLYWOOD DAILY: Robert De Niro Dealing To Play Bernie Madoff For HBO Movie Of 'The Wizard Of Lies'
EXCLUSIVE: Diane Henriques' non-fiction book recounting of the life and lies of imprisoned swindler Bernie Madoff debuts at No. 10 onThe New York Times bestseller list this weekend. The Wizard Of Lies: Bernie Madoff And The Death Of Trust, published on April 26, has been optioned by HBO for a movie, and right now sources tell me that the pay channel is negotiating with Robert De Niro to play Madoff. There's no doubt that the two men definitely look alike. The book is said to be the definitive look at Madoff and his $65 billion Ponzi scheme. Meanwhile, De Niro has personal experience with being bilked: in 2009, Lawrence Salander, a prominent art gallery owner, was charged with bilking a slew of high-profile clients, including De Niro, out of $88 million on high-priced art deals over more than 15 years.