Nat Geo & Scott Free Extend Killing Franchise

WASHINGTON, D.C.: National Geographic Channel is continuing its successful partnership with Scott Free Productions to produce the TV version of Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard’s Killing Patton.

Killing Patton will begin production in 2016, following the recently announced collaboration between National Geographic Channel and Scott Free Productions on Killing Reagan, which will air globally in 2016. Previous installments in the franchise, Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy and Killing Jesus, were the network’s three most watched programs in the U.S.

Killing Patton focuses on the strange death of the World War II general and will be adapted by screenwriter Anthony Peckham (Sherlock, Invictus). It is set to air globally on National Geographic Channel in 171 countries and 45 languages.

“Scott Free Productions and National Geographic Channels have done a brilliant job bringing to life the towering historical figures in my Killing series, and I’m very confident our continued partnership will yield a gripping film about General Patton’s tragic death,” said O’Reilly. “Tapping into some of Hollywood’s best and brightest in front of and behind the camera has worked tremendously well for the film adaptations so I look forward to seeing this approach continue our winning streak with the franchise.”

“With their unique historical insights, absorbing narratives and A-list talent on screen and behind the scenes, the Killing films have proven must-see hits with audiences all over the world. We are very excited to be re-teaming with Bill O’Reilly and Scott Free to add Killing Patton to our scripted slate,” said Tim Pastore, the president of original programming and production at National Geographic Channel. “We’re also thrilled to have screenwriter Anthony Peckham come on board to help bring this project to life, especially given his past successes in delivering iconic characters to the big screen that have garnered critical acclaim and resonated with audiences around the globe.”