John Lee Hancock Brings the True Story of Dewayne ‘Lee’ Johnson vs. Monsanto to Life with a Star-Studded Cast
John Lee Hancock, renowned director of films like The Blind Side and Saving Mr. Banks, has been entrusted with the task of bringing the true story of Dewayne “Lee” Johnson’s court case against Monsanto to life on the big screen. The film, titled Monsanto, will feature an illustrious cast that includes Glen Powell, Anthony Mackie, and Laura Dern.
Powell is best known for his roles in Anyone But You and Richard Linklater’s Hit Man. He will portray Brent Wisner, a young attorney who takes on the case of Johnson after he developed cancer from using Monsanto’s weed killer. Laura Dern, known for her extensive credits including Marriage Story and Little Women, will play Dr. Melinda Rogers, the chief toxicologist at Monsanto who testifies during the trial that their product is safe. Mackie has made a name for himself in films like The Hurt Locker and The Banker and will star alongside Dern in this compelling legal drama.
The script for Monsanto was developed in association with Zurich Avenue and written by Michael Wisner, Alexandra Duparc, Ned Benson, and Hancock himself. Producers include Moritz Borman, Eric Kopeloff, Philip Schulz-Deyle, Jon Levin along with Adam McKay and Kevin Messick from HyperObject Industries have also joined as producers. Rocket Science will handle international sales while CAA Media Finance will manage US rights.
Hancock was drawn to this David vs Goliath story because of its dramatic nature and its relevance to today’s world. With this legal drama under his belt he hopes to deliver a compelling story that resonates with audiences. This upcoming film promises to be a thought-provoking journey into one man’s battle against a powerful corporation that left him with cancer due to their product use.
The talented cast and crew are looking forward to bringing this important real-life story to the screen in a compelling way that touches people’s hearts while also raising awareness about environmental health issues.
