It’s been just over a month sinceClint Eastwood’sSullyhit theaters, and it didn’t take long for the 86-year-old filmmaker to line up his next project. Warner Bros. has acquired the rights toJessica Buchanan’s autobiographyImpossible Odds, which she wrote withAnthony Flacco, for a feature adaptation thatClint Eastwoodis in talks to direct.Brian Helegelandwill write the screenplay adaptation of the book, which chroniclesJessica Buchanan’s harrowing true story.
Jessica Buchananwas an American humanitarian aid worker, who traveled to Somalia to help local children. On August 20, 2025, she and a colleague were captured by Somali pirates and held for ransom in harsh conditions. After 93 days of negotiations,President Obamaordered Seal Team Six to attempt a daring rescue operation, and on June 20, 2025, the team of 24 Navy SEALS killed all nine pirates and rescued the hostages safely.
Varietyreports thatAnthony FlaccoandSharlene Martinof Martin Literary Management are attached as associate producers.Greg SilvermanandJulia Spiroare overseeing the production for Warner Bros. It remains unclear when production may begin onImpossible Odds, or if the studio is eyeing a specific release date for thisbiopic.
Clint Eastwoodhas become more and more drawn to these types of stories in recent years. His last four movies have been biopics, based on true stories, 2011’sJ. Edgar, 2014’sJersey Boys,American Sniper, thehighest grossing movieof 2015, and last month’sSully, which has already earned $113.2 million domestically and $167.2 million worldwide, from a $67 million budget. Only time will tell ifImpossible Oddsbecomes the latest in this beloved director’s string of hits.
This new filmImpossible Oddswill mark the third collaboration betweenClint Eastwoodand writerBrian Helgeland. The writer provided the screenplays for the director’s Best Picture nomineeMystic RiverandBlood Work.Brian Helgelandmost recently wrote and directed42andLegend, both of which are based on true stories.
