Variety reports that Thor: Ragnarok star Tessa Thompson will portray a real-life jewelry thief whose crimes stem back to the 1950s. Thompson is set to play Doris Payne, a woman who “gained notoriety for her luxury jewelry heists from stores around the world” in an upcoming heist film that is yet to be named. Codeblack Films, which is part of Lionsgate, have obtained Payne’s life rights which encouraged them to develop the film. Thompson will produce the film along with Codeblack’s Jeff Clanagan and Candice Wilson overseeing the project.
An interesting tidbit Variety notes is that the film will be in the vein of Catch Me If You Can and The Thomas Crown Affair, a high-concept action-drama that is sure to appease any fans of the genre. Payne’s criminal life sounds absolutely riveting and is seemingly a perfect concept for a film adaptation:
“In her six-decade long career, Payne, who is now 87, would enter jewelry stores posing as a well-to-do woman looking for a diamond ring and ask to see an assortment of items. Using her charm, she would eventually cause the clerk to forget how many pieces were outside the cases and leave with one or two pieces… Payne’s criminal record dates back to the 1950s. She was arrested many times and has admitted to having used 20 aliases, 10 Social Security numbers, and nine dates of birth.”
Thompson took to her Twitter account to express her excitement with the project:
After chasing Doris and her story for years— and then keeping this secret for awhile— I’m screaming that this dream is coming true. She is a deeply fascinating woman. So pleased to bring this story to the screen with CodeBlack & Lionsgate. Beyond grateful. https://t.co/GMfigAdwy4
— Tessa Thompson (@TessaThompson_x) February 13, 2018
The film has no release date as of yet. Are you excited for this heist film starring Thompson? Let us know in the comments below.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
