Nat Geo & Scott Free Productions to Adapt Bill O’Reilly’s Killing Reagan

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Following the success of Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy and Killing Jesus, National Geographic Channel is partnering with Scott Free Productions on a filmed version of Bill O’Reilly’s just-released Killing Reagan.

The scripted film will explore in-depth Ronald Reagan’s rise to power, which was nearly cut short after a gunman’s bullet came within inches of his heart. The adaptation will begin preproduction later this fall for a 2016 release. It will premiere on the National Geographic Channel in the U.S., globally in 171 countries in 45 languages and in Spanish on Nat Geo Mundo.

The film is based on the book by Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard, who co-wrote the other entries in the Killing series.

Remarked National Geographic Channel president Tim Patore: “Our audience has proven to have a real appetite for compelling, authentic stories. As we prepare to air our four-hour movie event Saints & Strangers later this fall, we are excited to continue our momentum in the scripted genre by adding this fourth collaboration with Bill O’Reilly and Scott Free to our slate. No matter what political party you side with, there is no doubt Ronald Reagan’s presidency has had a lasting impact on global policies in our modern world. Presenting this story, especially during what’s sure to be a heated election year, provides an opportunity to not only look back, but to see where it has brought us today.”

“Over the past three years, Scott Free Productions and National Geographic Channels have been incredible partners in bringing my books to life, and I’m confident Killing Reagan will be no different,” said O’Reilly, who is also executive producing the film. “Their formula for translating these stories from the page to the screen, using A-list talent both in front of and behind the camera, has proven to be successful with both audiences and the industry at large.”

“Scott Free has had great working experiences with the National Geographic Channel and Bill O’Reilly from the outset, so we’re really pleased that we can continue the relationship,” added Scott Free Productions’ Ridley Scott, an executive producer on the project. “We’re very proud of the programs we have produced together and look forward to collaborating once more.”