Netflix Developing ‘Six Minutes to Freedom,’ ‘Flight Risk’ Writer Jared Rosenberg Adapting Hostage Rescue Story (EXCLUSIVE)

by · Variety

Netflix is in early development on the adaptation of John Gilstrap and Kurt Muse’s “Six Minutes To Freedom,” the incredible true story of a daring hostage rescue. Jared Rosenberg has been hired to adapt the non-fiction book, which draws on Muse’s harrowing experiences, into a film.

The book is about Operation Acid Gambit, a daring military raid involving the United States’ most elite warriors — Delta Force. A team of soldiers find themselves in a race to rescue an American civilian held hostage in Panama on the eve of the U.S. invasion in 1989 to oust dictator Manuel Noriega. Despite careful planning, and under intense pressure to succeed, the Delta operators only have a six-minute head-start to pull off their high-risk heist before U.S. forces move in, which would trigger the prisoner’s swift execution.

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“Six Minutes to Freedom” is the remarkable tale of Muse’s arrest in Panama and harrowing months of imprisonment. It draws on his eyewitness accounts of torture; and the plight of his family as they fled for their lives. He is the only American civilian ever rescued by the elite Delta Force.

“Six Minutes to Freedom” is produced by Toby Jaffe and his new venture, RDV Films. Rosenberg’s film “Flight Risk” will be released via Lionsgate on Jan. 24. It was directed by and stars Mel Gibson, with Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockery and Topher Grace co-starring in the picture. It previously appeared on The Black List.

Rosenberg is represented by Paradigm, Russell Hollander, and Mckuin Frankel. Gilstrap and Muse are represented by CAA. Anne Hawking of Johnny Hawkins & Associates, Inc. represented Gilstrap and Muse on the publishing deal. Gilstrap and Muse are represented by CAA.