Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Clooney Mulls Movie on Qaeda Driver

Actor may play lawyer who fought for Gitmo prisoner's rights

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 14, 2008 2:39 AM CDT

(Newser) – Activist actor George Clooney is considering making the most politically charged film of his career, the Independent reports. The Syriana star has bought the movie rights to The Challenge, a book documenting the life and trial of Osama bin Laden's chauffeur Salim Hamdan, who was sentenced last week to nearly six years in prison for supporting terror. Clooney would likely play Hamdan's lawyer,

The book portrays the Navy lawyer's battle for a fair trial for Hamdan as a David-and-Goliath struggle against the government. "It's difficult not to be impressed by his sense of duty, by the idea that justice transcends the allegiances of war," author Jonathan Mahler said of the lawyer. "I'm sure that's part of the appeal to George Clooney. I've got no doubt he's going to do a fantastic job with this."

George Clooney speaks to the media about trip to Darfur at United Nations headquarters, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008.
George Clooney speaks to the media about trip to Darfur at United Nations headquarters, Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008.   (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
In this undated file photo Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a former driver for Osama bin Laden, is seen at an unknown location.
In this undated file photo Salim Ahmed Hamdan, a former driver for Osama bin Laden, is seen at an unknown location.   (AP Photo)
Dep. Chief Defense Counsel Harry Schneider, left, and retired Lt. Comdr. Charles Swift, defense attorney for Salim Hamdan, stand together during a press conference, at Guantanamo Bay.
Dep. Chief Defense Counsel Harry Schneider, left, and retired Lt. Comdr. Charles Swift, defense attorney for Salim Hamdan, stand together during a press conference, at Guantanamo Bay.   (AP Photo/Maura Axelrod, Pool)
George Clooney smiles at cheering fans as he gives his autographs to them upon his arrival at the Japan Premiere of his latest film Ocean's Thirteen in Tokyo, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007.
George Clooney smiles at cheering fans as he gives his autographs to them upon his arrival at the Japan Premiere of his latest film "Ocean's Thirteen" in Tokyo, Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Bin Laden's Driver Leaves Guantanamo

Osama Driver Gets 66 Months

Jury Convicts bin Laden Driver

Bin Laden Driver Too 'Primitive' to Be a Terrorist: 9/11 Planner

Guantanamo Only Looks Like a Real Trial


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne