Fox is making a film about Supreme Court marriage case
Fox has bought the rights to make a feature film about the case that brought same-sex marriage to all 50 states.
20th Century Fox confirmed it had bought the life rights of Jim Obergefell, the plaintiff in Supreme Court case Obergefell v Hodges.
Mr Obergefell tied the knot with partner John Arthur in Maryland in 2013. He launched legal action when Mr Arthur passed away, and their home state of Ohio declined to recognise the pair’s marriage license.
After his lawsuit progressed, Mr Obergefell eventually became the lead plaintiff in the Supreme Court action that led to the landmark ruling.
The company also purchased the life rights of Obergefell’s lawyer Al Gerhardstein, and to a yet-to-be-written book collaboration between journalist Debbie Cenziper and Mr Obergefell.
According to the New York Times, Wyck Godfrey and Marty Bowen are in line to produce the planned movie – which is set to be fast-tracked for release in two years’ time.
It will be handled by Fox 2000 – the production wing that handled ‘Life of Pi’ and ‘The Fault in our Stars’.
Mr Godfrey told the newspaper: “It’s a transcendent love story about someone who goes to such a length for love that he ends up changing the world.”
Barack Obama personally called Mr Obergefell following the court verdict to congratulate him.
The President said: “Your leadership on this, has changed the country.
“We’re really proud of you. Not only have you been a great example for people but you’re also going to bring about a lasting change in this country. And it’s pretty rare when that happens.”
