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John Hollenhorst ReportingIt's one of the most famous and most controversial books ever written about Utah, loved by some and hated by others because of its political content. Now it looks as though "The Monkey Wrench Gang" will finally become a movie with some very big names attached.
For almost 30 years, people have talked about making the movie. There've been so many rumors and false starts, some will believe it only when they see it on the big screen. But now some big names are behind a movie about environmental outlaws.
In the three decades since Edward Abbey wrote the novel, "The Monkey Wrench Gang" has been loved by many as a comic parable of environmental commitment. To a few readers it's the Bible of environmental extremism.
The characters dream of draining Lake Powell by destroying the Glen Canyon Dam. They actually use vandalism on a smaller-scale to protect the environment from development.
Award-winning director Catherine Hardwicke says the timing is right to finally make the movie because people are waking up to destruction of the planet.
Catherine Hardwicke, Film Director: "Edward Abbey saw it in 1975. He was so far ahead of his time. And all the characters in 'The Monkey Wrench Gang' care about saving this beautiful earth -- Utah, Arizona, New Mexico. And now the rest of the world is catching up with them."
The novel helped inspire the Earth First movement. The term "Monkey Wrenching" is actually in the dictionary as a synonym for what critics call "eco-sabotage." Hardwicke says the novel's characters, like many movie heroes, are loveable, comic outlaws.
Catherine Hardwicke, Film Director: "And you can see the people care so much about what they're doing. And they're a bit misguided, maybe a bit naive, and there are other methods that are maybe more effective."
The proposed movie has high-octane talent. Hardwicke has directed three well-received movies including "Lords of Dogtown" and "Thirteen". Screenwriter William Goldman won Oscars for "All The President's Men" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." Big name stars are considering acting roles.
Catherine Hardwicke: "We can't name them yet, though we've had all kinds of people over the years that have passionately loved 'The Monkey Wrench Gang,' from Robert Redford, Sean Penn, Dennis Hopper, Woody Harrelson, lots of people care about this movie."
They're optimistic that one of the hottest actresses in Hollywood will take the female lead, but they asked us not to name her publicly yet.
There's still a chance this could fall through again, but the money and commitment seem to be there this time. They plan to start filming May first.
