The studio Universal Pictures, responsible for “Oppenheimer,” has acquired the rights to Mark A. Bradley’s report “Blood Runs Coal: The Yablonski Murders and the Battle for the United Mine Workers of America.” Cillian Murphy will play the lead role in the adaptation.
What is “Blood Runs Coal” about?
The story depicted in “Blood Runs Coal” takes place in the late 1960s in Pennsylvania. The author of the report described a notorious murder case that cast a shadow over the labor union’s activities. The protagonist of the book was Jock Yablonski, a second-generation miner. After his father died in an explosion, he became involved in union activities. He demanded better working conditions and healthcare, fighting so that his children wouldn’t have to work underground. However, he clashed with Tony Boyle, the union president, who was accused of abusing his power and embezzling union funds. Their mutual animosity escalated until Boyle decided to eliminate his opponent by ordering his murder. On December 31, 1969, Jock, his wife Margaret, and their 25-year-old daughter Charlotte were shot dead in their own home. The only surviving family member was their son Chip, who was celebrating the New Year outside the house. Seeking justice for those responsible for the deaths of his loved ones became his life’s mission.
Cillian Murphy will portray Chip Yablonski. The screenplay will be written by brothers Jez and John-Henry Butterworth, who have previously worked together on films such as “Edge of Tomorrow” and “Ford v Ferrari.”
“Oppenheimer” triumphed at this year’s Oscars, winning awards for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Leading and Supporting Actors. We remind you of the episode of the podcast “Mam parę uwag,” in which Christopher Nolan’s production is discussed by Julia Taczanowska and Jakub Popielecki:
TOP: Cillian Murphy’s best roles
Cillian Murphy’s performance in “Oppenheimer” earned him his first Oscar of his career. We remind you of the episode of the program “TOP,” in which Michał Walkiewicz selects the actor’s best roles from his career:
