Weinstein Company Developing Live Action J.D. SALINGER Biopic

The Weinstein Company announced today that their latest documentary release, SALINGER, will have a special edition debuted for its national release on Friday, September 20th. The film, which opened in New York and Los Angeles on September 6th, will feature new, never-before-seen material about Salinger’s life, his complex relationships with young women, and footage of the iconic author added for its 62-city theatrical expansion.

TWC also announced that they are partnering with SALINGER director/producer Shane Salerno on developing a feature film adaptation of the documentary. The company has long been extremely interested in Salerno’s extensive research on the renowned author and feels the material will make for an incredible live action narrative. TWC and Salerno plan to focus the film on the period in Salinger’s life between his service in World War II and the publishing of Catcher in the Rye, examining the effects war can have on an artist. Salerno is already signed on to pen the film’s screenplay.

SALINGER topped per screen grosses at the specialty box office in its opening weekend, grossing a $22,742 per screen. Salerno and David Shield’s companion book, also titled SALINGER, likewise had a successful debut as number six on The New York Times bestseller list.

“This documentary has been an incredible journey and truly epitomizes what it means to be a passion project,” said Salerno. “I’m beyond excited to share more of the fascinating material we discovered in its new special edition, and look forward to continuing my relationship with Harvey and TWC in developing a narrative film about this brilliant, intriguing man.”

Commented TWC Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein: “Shane has created an amazing documentary about one of the most beloved but enigmatic literary figures of our time. We are glad he was able to take the opportunity to add fantastic new footage. We greatly look forward to sharing the new edition with audiences and developing a Salinger feature with him.”