Killing Bono

Tweet Taken from Variety.com

Posted: Thurs., Apr. 22, 2010, 3:00am 

By DIANA LODDERHOSE

LONDON -- Paramount has picked up U.K. and Irish rights to Nick Hamm's "Killing Bono" from London-based sales outfit The Salt Company.

Pic stars Ben Barnes ("Dorian Gray," "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian") and Robert Sheehan ("Season of the Witch," "Cherrybomb") and wrapped in Belfast in February. It is currently in post.

The story follows two hapless brothers, Neil and Ivan, who set up a failing band in Dublin in the late 70s while their classmates and rivals go on to become the world-renowned U2.

Andrew Cripps, Paramount Pictures International prexy, said: " 'Killing Bono' is a well written, funny and highly entertaining film that we think will be very commercial in both the U.K. and the Republic of Ireland. Paramount is very pleased and proud to be part of this exciting project."

Director Nick Hamm ("Martha," "Meet Frank") also produces pic through Greenroom Entertainment with Ian Flooks ("Confetti") for Wasted Talent, Mark Huffam ("Mamma Mia!") for Generator Entertainment, and Piers Tempest ("Like Minds") for The Salt Company.

Script is penned by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais ("The Commitments," "The Bank Job") and Simon Maxwell and is based on Neil McCormick's autobiography, released as "I Was Bono's Doppelganger" in the U.K. and "Killing Bono" in the U.S.

Pic is backed by Isotope Films, Matador Pictures, Cinema Three, Regent Capital, Molinare, Silver Reel, Sony Music Entertainment U.K. -- which will release the soundtrack worldwide -- and Northern Ireland Screen.