Don Winslow to Write Prequel to Savages

Crime novelist Don Winslow will write a prequel to his bestselling novel Savages, which was optioned for film by director Oliver Stone a year or so ago.

In the book, part-time environmentalist and philanthropist Ben and his ex-mercenary buddy Chon run a Laguna Beach — based marijuana operation, reaping significant profits from their loyal clientele. In the past when their turf was challenged, Chon took care of eliminating the threat. But now they may have come up against something that they can’t handle—the Mexican Baja Cartel wants in, and sends them the message that a "no" is unacceptable. When they refuse to back down, the cartel escalates its threat, kidnapping Ophelia, the boys’ playmate and confidante. O’s abduction sets off a dizzying array of ingenious negotiations and gripping plot twists that will captivate readers eager to learn the costs of freedom and the price of one amazing high.

The film adaptation, production of which begins next month, stars John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Benicio Del Toro, Salma Hayek, and Blake Lively as Ophelia with Aaron Johnson and Taylor Kitsch as Ben and Chon, respectively.

(Source: Deadline|New York.)