Paramount Pictures will handle the worldwide distribution of the film 'Captive' starring Kate Mara and David Oyelowo.
The film, which is slated for release on September 18, is based on the book Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero. Both the film and the hero tells the story of Ashley Smith, who was taken hostage by the fugitive Brian Nichols in 2005.
Smith was held by Nicholas in her apartment in Duluth, Georgia after he escaped custody while on trail for rape. He shot a judge, a reporter and two law enforcement officers before he arrived at Smith's apartment.
She eventually gained his trust by engaging him in conversation and reading passages from Rick Warren's book "A Purpose Driven Life." When Nichols allowed her to leave the house to see her daughter, Smith called 911 to report Nichols' location. He was subsequently arrested.
Oyelowo, who plays Nichols in the film, said he was attracted to the story when he was first offered the role.
"I was drawn to this story because it beautifully illustrates how a broken spirit can be healed by an unexpected source of hope," the actor said.
"I feel blessed to be continuing my very fruitful relationship with Paramount," Oyelowo added.
'Captive' is the second project involving Paramount and Oyelowo. The first project was Nightingale, which was released last year. Oyelowo played the lead role of a war veteran who slowly loses his mind as he pays a visit to an old friend.
The movie was produced by BN Films, a division of AG Studios. Veteran filmmaker Jameson took the helm as director, while Brian Bird wrote the screenplay.
AG Studios President Alex Garcia said: "Jerry Jameson has done a fantastic job bringing to life Ashley Smith's harrowing ordeal and miraculous redemption, and Kate Mara portrays her with phenomenal sensitivity and poignancy."
