A new movie related to the controversial Westboro Baptist Church is now in the works by director Rod Lurie and Branded Pictures Entertainment.
J. Todd Harris, who founded Branded Pictures, is now looking for potential producers and distributors for "Hate (A Love Story)," according to Variety. The film will focus on the aftermath of the 2006 death of Marine Lance Corporal Matthew Snyder, who lost his life while serving in Iraq.
Instead of honoring Snyder during his funeral, members of the Kansas Church picketed outside and carried placards that read, "Semper Fi Fags" and "God Hates You," among many other offensive messages.
Snyder's father, Al, sued the church and its founders, the Phelps family, for defamation and invasion of privacy. The case ended up at the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in favor of the church and the Phelps on grounds of freedom of speech. Aside from the trial, the movie will also focus on Al's backstory as a gay man who had a partner battling cancer throughout the legal battle.
"The first amendment is the FIRST amendment for a reason - our most cherished right. But it often creates muddy and uncomfortable situations, ones that are the source of great drama and national self-reflection," Lurie said of the court battle.
"This story makes allies out of the gay and military communities, as the Westboro Baptist Church's assault on the First Amendment turns out to be an attack on both," Harris also said. "I'm a long-time fan of Rod, a thoughtful patriot who gravitates toward stories of righteousness. He's perfect for this movie."
Meanwhile, there is another feature concerning the Westboro Baptist Church being developed called "This Above All," according to The Hollywood Reporter. It will be directed by Marc Webb, and its story will place the spotlight on former member Megan Phelps-Roper. Nick Hornby will adapt the story from an article from the New Yorker by Adrian Chen and Phelps-Roper's memoir.
