Sebastian Stan, who currently shines in Marvel's *Thunderbolts*, and Leo Woodall, the breakthrough star of *The White Lotus*'s second season, will headline *Burning Rainbow Farm*, the latest true-life thriller helmed by Justin Kurzel. Rocket Science will unveil this captivating project to international buyers at the upcoming Cannes Film Festival. Meanwhile, CAA Media Finance is tasked with securing North American distribution rights.
According to the sales company, *Burning Rainbow Farm* narrates the factual tale of Tom Crosslin and Rollie Rohm, a gay couple who established a serene, marijuana-friendly haven known as Rainbow Farm in the heart of rural Michigan. When they clash with local authorities and their young son is wrongfully taken away, an intense standoff ensues, ultimately evolving into one of the most colossal and dramatic confrontations between police and the FBI in American history. Stan will embody Crosslin, while Woodall will portray Rohm.
The screenplay, penned by Tommy Murphy (of *Holding The Man* and *Significant Others* fame), is based on Dean Kuipers' book. The siege transpired in 2001, mere days before being eclipsed by the tragic events of 9/11.
Producing the film are Nicole O’Donohue, Kurzel, and Alexandra Taussig for Thirdborn, alongside Adam Shulman of Anonymous Content, Alix Madigan of Mad Dog Films, and Justin Lothrop and Brent Stiefel of Votiv.
In a statement, Kurzel expressed, "*Burning Rainbow Farm* is a love story about two outliers who defy hate and declare, 'This is who we are, and we dare you to take it from us.' I'm thrilled to bring this adorable and courageous couple to life with Sebastian and Leo; their union will undoubtedly be unforgettable."
Kurzel is no novice when it comes to true-life narratives, having directed last year's acclaimed thriller *The Order*, which chronicled white supremacists acting as domestic terrorists in the 1980s and starred Jude Law and Nicholas Hoult.
This compelling story has fascinated filmmakers for years, with a previous iteration having Lenny Abrahamson (*Room*) at the helm.
Stan, who garnered widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Donald Trump in *The Apprentice* last year, is represented by CAA, Brookside Artist Management, and Sloane Offer. Woodall, who starred opposite Renee Zellweger in *Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy* earlier this year, is represented by WME, Hamilton Hodell, Anonymous Content, and Goodman Genow. Kurzel is represented by HLA Management and Sloane Offer, while Murphy is represented by Cameron’s Management and Range Media.
