In a surprising turn of events, HBO Films has acquired the rights to Mark Chiusano’s latest book, “The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos,” which delves into the tumultuous life of the disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos. Released on November 28, the book meticulously scrutinizes the web of lies spun by this Republican from New York, encompassing claims about his education, athletic prowess, and past employment.
The movie project, helmed by executive producer Frank Rich, known for his work on HBO’s acclaimed satire comedy “Veep” and the dramatic series “Succession,” aims to shed light on the meteoric political ascent of George Santos and the tapestry of fabrications that bolstered it. The film will take a dark comedic approach, offering insights into the contentious congressional race on Long Island that ultimately paved the way for Santos’s rise to prominence. Notably, Mike Makowsky, recognized for HBO’s “Bad Education,” will pen the screenplay.
“The Fabulist” film chronicles the seemingly insignificant local race that unexpectedly evolved into a battle for the soul of Long Island, propelling Santos from obscurity to infamy. It portrays a Gatsby-esque journey of a man who exploited the system, waged war on truth, and deceived one of the nation’s wealthiest districts in his relentless pursuit of the American Dream, as reported by Deadline.
Chiusano, the author of the book, will also contribute as a consulting producer, ensuring that the film maintains the essence of his detailed investigation into Santos’s deceptive narrative.
Santos’s Fall From Grace
George Santos’s dramatic downfall came to its climax earlier this week when he was expelled from Congress by a decisive 311 to 114 vote, making him the sixth lawmaker to face such a fate in the House of Representatives. This expulsion followed a damning House Ethics Committee report that accused Santos of likely violating federal laws. Allegations included the misuse of campaign funds for luxury purchases, subscriptions to platforms like OnlyFans, and even Botox treatments. Moreover, a former staffer accused him of sexual misconduct.
In addition to his congressional expulsion, Santos is currently facing 23 criminal charges related to various fraud allegations. Despite these legal challenges, he has maintained his plea of not guilty.
With Santos’s seat now vacant, a special election is on the horizon, as the political landscape continues to be rocked by the scandalous saga of this former congressman.
This captivating tale of political ambition, deceit, and scandal promises to captivate audiences as HBO Films embarks on a journey to explore the enigmatic life of George Santos, a gay ex-lawmaker who left an indelible mark on American politics.