Avengers actor Jeremy Renner is set to play real-life investigative journalist David Armstrong in an opioid crisis movie.
The recipient of a Pulitzer Prize, Armstrong helped to unravel the Sackler family and Purdue Pharma's involvement with the widespread addiction to painkiller OxyContin across the US, which is connected to over 200,000 deaths.
According to Deadline, husband and wife duo Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly (Queenpins) are on writing-directing duties.
Related: Avengers: Endgame's Jeremy Renner opens up about missing out on Infinity War
"The real David Armstrong is a man of utmost integrity," said the married filmmakers in a statement.
"We could not be more thrilled to have Jeremy on board to infuse that same integrity into his portrayal of David. We're excited to work with such a great team to bring this story to a global audience."
The journo himself went on to admit he's "gratified that a movie audience will learn of the story behind this crisis, which has ruined so many lives".
"I am impressed with the vision Gita and Aron have for making this film and thrilled that an actor of Jeremy's talent and ability will be a major part of telling this story."
Related: Marvel star Jeremy Renner's new TV series breaks new record
101 Studios CEO David C Glasser was particularly taken by Renner's powerful acting skills during the making of TV drama Mayor of Kingstown, which was recently renewed for season 2.
"I can't think of anyone better than Jeremy Renner to bring David Armstrong's vital story to audiences," he commented.
"We have been lucky enough to see Jeremy's tremendous talent first-hand working together on Mayor of Kingstown. We can't wait to see him tackle a project that we know will resonate with audiences."
With two Oscar nods already in the bag, could this part land Renner a third?
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Dan is a freelance entertainment journalist. Beginning his writing career in 2014, Dan's work first graced the pages of cult publications Starburst magazine and Little White Lies before moving onto Total Film, Digital Spy, NME and Yahoo Entertainment.
In the film and TV universe, he kneels at the altar of Jim Carrey, Daniel Plainview, Mike Ehrmantraut and Paulie Walnuts.
