The USS Indianapolis holds an unusual place in the annals of history, as it’s a tragedy less remebered from the history books and more because of Quint’s emotive speech about it in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. Now THR reports that Warner Bros. is tackling a new drama project based on the 1945 sinking, with Robert Downey Jr. and his wife Susan Downey down to produce. There’s no news however on whether the Iron Man actor may also star, although there is a role that would be good for him.
It’s not the first time Hollywood has thought about turning the USS Indianapolis story into a movie, but it’s always proved too difficult. The problem is that the tragic tale involves the ship being hit by torpedoes and sunk during World War II. Those who didn’t die immediately were left stranded in the water, with most of them either drowning or being killed by sharks over the next five days. It’s a tough story to turn into a narrative that would attract a big audience.
However they’ve found a rather nifty way to do it with this film, as the story will be told through the eyes of Hunter Scott, who, in 1996 at the age of 11, decided to try and exonerate Captain Charles McVay, who was blamed for the disaster. The Navy court-martialed McVay, although many who survived the ordeal did not blame the captain. Hunter Scott was instrumental in getting the Captain cleared of any wrongdoing, even testifying before Congress. The Navy eventually amended Charles McVay’s record in 2001.
It’s a smart way of turning a fascinating but very tragic and depressing story into something with a more upbeat ending and a built in underdog storyline – and of course Downey Jr. could play the captain. Robert Schenkkan (The Quiet American, The Pacific) will write the screenplay, but a director has not yet been attached.