Well this is certainly a different view for Michael Bay. The explosive director is looking at taking on a dramatic feature for his next project with the political drama 13 HOURS. It’s based on the true story recounting the attack on the U.S. Special Mission Compound and a nearby CIA Annex in Benghazi on the 11th anniversary of Sept. 11. The focus of the movie according to THR will be on the six members of a security team that valiantly fought to defend the many Americans stationed there.
The script was written by Chuck Hogan (THE TOWN) adapted from the book "Thirteen Hours: A Firsthand Account Of What Really Happened In Benghazi" by Mitchell Zuckoff. In August Bay said the next TRANSFORMERS movie is already dated, but he would not be returning to direct. While he wouldn't be dealing with robots this time around, we should still expect some action-heavy material; Bay’s THE ROCK comes to mind for a good example of how the director can handle the balance.
THR adds that 13 HOURS could be budgeted in the $30 to $40 million range. A vast change from the $250 million summer blockbusters Bay has been working on for the best part of the last decade. Bay seems to really get behind his own work with a lot of passion and will gladly defend it against anyone who questions his motives. I respect that, and trust he’s smart enough to know how to handle this project as well.
What do you think, can Bay handle this material?