Jessica Chastain & Eddie Redmayne up for serial killer film The Good Nurse

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

It's been estimated that Charles Cullen may be responsible for as many as 400 deaths, which would make him the most prolific serial killer in recorded history. Deadline reports that a film based upon the true story of the pursuit and capture of Cullen is in the works and that Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redmayne are in advanced negotiations to star in the film.

Known as the Angel of Death, Charles Cullen was a hospital nurse who was thought to be a responsible caretaker, but throughout his decades-long career, Cullen's compulsion to take lives led to potentially hundreds of deaths across nine hospitals. Eddie Redmayne will play Charles Cullen, who was caught by two former Newark homicide detectives who wouldn't let the case go. They were aided by a nurse, to be played by Jessica Chastain, who worked alongside Cullen and risked her job and the safety of her family in order to stop him. Danish film-maker Tobias Lindholm (WAR) will be making his English-language feature directing debut on the film, which will be based on the book by Charles Graeber and scripted by Krysty Wilson-Cairns (Penny Dreadful).

A synopsis for "The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder" via Amazon:

When nurse Charlie Cullen was arrested in 2003, journalists were quick to dub him "The Angel of Death." But Cullen was neither a mercy killer nor a simple monster. He was a son, a husband, a father, a best friend, and a valued caregiver. He was also implicated in the deaths of as many as 400 people, and may be the most prolific serial killer in American history.

Cullen's career in the world's most trusted profession spanned sixteen years, across nine hospitals. In this riveting work of investigative journalism, Charles Graeber-the only person Cullen chose to speak with following his arrest-reveals how Cullen got away with murder for so long. Based on hundreds of hours of previously unseen and unheard footage, recordings, and records, as well as extensive interviews with homicide detectives, Cullen's friends, family, coworkers, and confidential informants and whistleblowers, plus exclusive, one-on-one interviews with Cullen, himself, THE GOOD NURSE paints a dramatic portrait of madness and the bounds of friendship, and shines a spotlight on America's medical system. A harrowing and irresistibly paced book, you'll never look at a hospital the same way again.

Eddie Redmayne will next be seen in FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD on November 16, 2018, while Jessica Chastain will take part in X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX on February 14, 2019.