Aaron Sorkin To Return Behind The Camera With 'Trial Of The Chicago 7', Sacha Baron Cohen To Star

Image from Empire

By Darian Scalamoni

            The Trial of the Chicago 7 has been in development for years and now it seems that the Steven Spielberg backed project is finally getting off the ground. According to Variety, Aaron Sorkin will write and direct the political drama that is based on the documentary, Chicago 10. Sacha Baron Cohen will star in the film.

            The film will follow the infamous trial of 1969 where seven defendants were charged with conspiracy and more arising from protests in Chicago at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. It led to tons of conversation around the country on how there was chaos afoot intended to weaken the U.S. government.

            The movie has been through development hell since 2007 as Spielberg was originally set to direct the Sorkin-penned script but the writers’ strike led to a delay. He tried to get the project moving again in 2013 with Paul Greengrass directing but after a budget disagreement, Greengrass left and the movie was put on the shelf again.

            Sorkin however, seems like the perfect choice for this film. He created the iconic political television drama, The West Wing and is now set to undertake his second directorial job after last year’s Molly’s Game. He’s also written the scripts for A Few Good Men, The Social Network and Steve Jobs.

            Cohen has been attached all the way back in 2008 to play activist Abbie Hoffman. Sorkin seems to love the fit and Cohen has room in his schedule so he’s taking the role. Will Smith was up for a role in the film years ago as well and though he’s not a name that’s attached at this time, Sorkin is said to be seeking big-name talent for the ensemble.

            Here’s hoping that Spielberg and Sorkin can finally get this film off the ground because it sounds like a bonafide hit.