Dark Castle Brings True Crime Story ‘Burn Boston Burn’ to Life with Engaging Film and Documentary

Dark Castle Entertainment Acquires Rights to "Burn Boston Burn"

Dark Castle Entertainment has secured the rights to adapt Burn Boston Burn: The Story of the Largest Arson Case in the History of the Country, a true-crime book penned by retired ATF Special Agent Wayne Miller. The company, known for films like Last Breath and Orphan: First Kill, will collaborate with Compelling Pictures, a studio recognized for projects such as I Wanna Dance with Somebody, to develop both a feature film and a documentary based on the gripping narrative.

The book focuses on what is regarded as the largest arson investigation in U.S. history. Set against the backdrop of the early 1980s, it details the aftermath of a tax-cutting statute that led to significant layoffs among Boston’s police and firefighters. Following these cuts, a group of nine individuals—including three cops and a firefighter—conspired to ignite 200 fires across the city, prompting a lengthy manhunt led by Miller.

Michael McGrale, known for The Rip and Mission Hill, will adapt the book for the feature film and serve as an executive producer. The production team includes Dark Castle’s Norman Golightly and Robert Bell, along with Compelling’s Denis O’Sullivan and Jeff Kalligheri. Both Wayne Miller and Compelling’s Steven Garcia will take on the role of executive producers for the feature and documentary.

Golightly expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “We’re thrilled to partner with Compelling, Mike McGrale and Wayne Miller on this incredible true story. Wayne’s book has all the propulsion of classic crime thrillers like The Town and Heat, while exploring a time in American history that feels more relevant now than ever.”

O’Sullivan emphasized Compelling’s strong connections to Boston, stating, “We could not be more excited to be a part of this wildly unpredictable, harrowing true-crime thriller both as a feature and documentary.” He remarked on the project’s goal to evoke the thrill of watching Ron Howard’s Backdraft, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to work alongside Miller, Dark Castle, and McGrale.

McGrale is represented by Heroes and Villains Entertainment, Creative Artists Agency, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher, LLP.