West Mesa Murders To Be Subject Of True Crime Docuseries From Director Of Lionsgate Movie ‘Boneyard’
Exclusive: The West Mesa Murders, the shocking killings of 11 women whose remains were found buried in 2009 in the New Mexico desert, is to be the subject of a true crime docuseries.
The unsolved murder case was the inspiration for Lionsgate’s recent acquisition Boneyard, starring Mel Gibson and 50 Cent. That film’s director Asif Akbar is back aboard to helm the crime series, teaming up with New Mexico producer Vincent E. McDaniel and L.A.-based producer Brian A. Metcalf.
The plan is for the series to include interviews with the victims’ families, witnesses and law enforcement, as well as archival footage, clips from the Boneyard film and interviews with individuals closely involved in the investigations.
Several suspects have been named in the West Mesa Murders investigation, but none was arrested or charged. While the crimes initially were believed to be the work of a serial killer, the involvement of...
The unsolved murder case was the inspiration for Lionsgate’s recent acquisition Boneyard, starring Mel Gibson and 50 Cent. That film’s director Asif Akbar is back aboard to helm the crime series, teaming up with New Mexico producer Vincent E. McDaniel and L.A.-based producer Brian A. Metcalf.
The plan is for the series to include interviews with the victims’ families, witnesses and law enforcement, as well as archival footage, clips from the Boneyard film and interviews with individuals closely involved in the investigations.
Several suspects have been named in the West Mesa Murders investigation, but none was arrested or charged. While the crimes initially were believed to be the work of a serial killer, the involvement of...
- 7/12/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
You might expect a film that begins with Mel Gibson announcing, “The Bible says we should rejoice in our suffering,” to be a little more high-minded than “Boneyard.” But this trashy trawl through a fictionalized version of the “West Mesa Murders” — a still-unsolved southwestern crime spree in our century’s early years — is the kind of dubiously moralizing exploitation exercise that makes “Sound of Freedom” look like a noble class act by comparison.
Likewise “inspired by true events,” Asif Akbar’s movie alternates between lurid serial-killer suspense not far removed from the retro grindhouse ogling of concurrent “MaXXXine” and a convoluted procedural involving variably corrupt, conflicting investigators. Four screenwriters are credited, to results that feel very much like four screenplays shuffled to comprise one awkward narrative deck of cards — from which marquee name Gibson has been largely dealt out. Too cluttered to be dull, but frequently clunky and inept, this...
Likewise “inspired by true events,” Asif Akbar’s movie alternates between lurid serial-killer suspense not far removed from the retro grindhouse ogling of concurrent “MaXXXine” and a convoluted procedural involving variably corrupt, conflicting investigators. Four screenwriters are credited, to results that feel very much like four screenplays shuffled to comprise one awkward narrative deck of cards — from which marquee name Gibson has been largely dealt out. Too cluttered to be dull, but frequently clunky and inept, this...
- 7/1/2024
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
In what promises to be a gripping cinematic experience, the trailer for Boneyard, set for a 2024 release, has just been launched, stirring anticipation amongst thriller and action aficionados worldwide. Directed by Asif Akbar and featuring a cast including Mel Gibson, Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson, Nora Zehetner, Brian Van Holt, and Randall J. Bacon, Boneyard is already shaping up to be a must-watch.
Set against the stark backdrop of the New Mexico desert, the film is inspired by harrowing true crime stories. It plunges viewers into an intense narrative where the skeletal remains of 11 women & girls set off an extensive investigation. Police Chief Carter (portrayed by 50 Cent), alongside Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt) and the unyielding Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson), leads a multi-agency taskforce on a relentless quest to unearth the identity of the killer.
The plot thickens as the trio’s divergent agendas and methodologies clash, weaving a complex tapestry of intrigue and suspicion.
Set against the stark backdrop of the New Mexico desert, the film is inspired by harrowing true crime stories. It plunges viewers into an intense narrative where the skeletal remains of 11 women & girls set off an extensive investigation. Police Chief Carter (portrayed by 50 Cent), alongside Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt) and the unyielding Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson), leads a multi-agency taskforce on a relentless quest to unearth the identity of the killer.
The plot thickens as the trio’s divergent agendas and methodologies clash, weaving a complex tapestry of intrigue and suspicion.
- 5/7/2024
- by Martha Lucas
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Mel Gibson and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson are ready to show the world they’re bad to the bone with Boneyard. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. The duo’s true crime thriller project is heading to the Cannes market, with Lionsgate leading the charge for another hot silver-screen serial killer story. Boneyard is currently in production with Asif Akbar (The Commando) directing from a script he co-wrote with Vincent E. McDaniel, Hank Byrd, and Koji Steven Sakai from a story by McDaniel. Colin Bates, Vincent E. McDaniel, Asif Akbar, and Roy Scott Macfarland produce.
According to Deadline, Boneyard revolves around FBI Special Agent Petrovick (Gibson), who “is recruited to profile the serial killer responsible for the infamous “boneyard” killings, after Police Chief Carter (Jackson) discovers the remains of eleven women. As the police force, narcotics agency, and FBI lock horns, a tangled web of intrigue turns everyone into a suspect.” If this story sounds familiar,...
According to Deadline, Boneyard revolves around FBI Special Agent Petrovick (Gibson), who “is recruited to profile the serial killer responsible for the infamous “boneyard” killings, after Police Chief Carter (Jackson) discovers the remains of eleven women. As the police force, narcotics agency, and FBI lock horns, a tangled web of intrigue turns everyone into a suspect.” If this story sounds familiar,...
- 5/16/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Lionsgate is launching sales in Cannes on thriller Boneyard, the true crime thriller starring Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Oscar winner Mel Gibson.
Currently in production, the film is based on the true crime events of the serial killer known as the Bone Collector.
In the movie, FBI Special Agent Petrovick (Gibson) is recruited to profile the serial killer responsible for the infamous “boneyard” killings, after Police Chief Carter (Jackson) discovers the remains of eleven women. As the police force, narcotics agency, and FBI lock horns, a tangled web of intrigue turns everyone into a suspect.
Pic is being directed by Asif Akbar (The Commando) who scripted with Vincent E. McDaniel, Hank Byrd, and Koji Steven Sakai, from a story by Vincent E. McDaniel.
Producers are Colin Bates, Vincent E. McDaniel, Asif Akbar and Roy Scott Macfarland.
Jackson is teaming with Lionsgate and Millennium Media for Expen4bles which is in theaters this September.
Currently in production, the film is based on the true crime events of the serial killer known as the Bone Collector.
In the movie, FBI Special Agent Petrovick (Gibson) is recruited to profile the serial killer responsible for the infamous “boneyard” killings, after Police Chief Carter (Jackson) discovers the remains of eleven women. As the police force, narcotics agency, and FBI lock horns, a tangled web of intrigue turns everyone into a suspect.
Pic is being directed by Asif Akbar (The Commando) who scripted with Vincent E. McDaniel, Hank Byrd, and Koji Steven Sakai, from a story by Vincent E. McDaniel.
Producers are Colin Bates, Vincent E. McDaniel, Asif Akbar and Roy Scott Macfarland.
Jackson is teaming with Lionsgate and Millennium Media for Expen4bles which is in theaters this September.
- 5/16/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Mel Gibson (Lethal Weapon), Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (Escape Plan), Brian Van Holt (Joe vs. Carole), and Nora Zehetner (The Right Stuff) star in the serial killer thriller Boneyard, which is currently filming in Las Vegas. The Hollywood Reporter confirms that Asif Akbar (The Commando) is directing the film and crafted the screenplay with Hank Byrd, Vincent E. McDaniel, and Koji Steven Sakai.
Said to be inspired by true events, Boneyard sees Gibson taking on the role of an FBI special agent who, along with the Albuquerque police department, is hunting for a serial killer nicknamed The Bone Collector. The chief of police and one of his officers, however, have a contrary view of the manhunt, believing someone in their own department may be the killer.
It should be noted that, despite the serial killer being called The Bone Collector, this doesn’t have anything to do with the serial killer thriller novel of that title,...
Said to be inspired by true events, Boneyard sees Gibson taking on the role of an FBI special agent who, along with the Albuquerque police department, is hunting for a serial killer nicknamed The Bone Collector. The chief of police and one of his officers, however, have a contrary view of the manhunt, believing someone in their own department may be the killer.
It should be noted that, despite the serial killer being called The Bone Collector, this doesn’t have anything to do with the serial killer thriller novel of that title,...
- 4/18/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Mel Gibson and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson are toplining Boneyard, an indie crime-thriller that has begun shooting in Las Vegas.
Brian Van Holt, who starred opposite Kate McKinnon in limited series Jo vs. Carole, is also starring in the feature whose cast includes Nora Zehetner (The Right Stuff). Co-starring is Michael Sirow, most recently seen in SXSW movie The Wrath Of Becky.
Colin Bates, who produced the Halle Berry thriller Kidnap and the Arnold Schwarzenegger zombie drama Maggie, is producing the hot indie with Vincent McDaniel.
Inspired by true events, Boneyard tells of an FBI special agent, played by Gibson, who along with the Albuquerque police department, is hunting for a serial killer nicknamed The Bone Collector. The chief of police and one of his officers, however, have a contrary view of the manhunt, believing someone in their own department may be the killer.
Jackson is playing the chief while Van Holt plays the officer who is connected to the case through a missing niece.
Brian Van Holt, who starred opposite Kate McKinnon in limited series Jo vs. Carole, is also starring in the feature whose cast includes Nora Zehetner (The Right Stuff). Co-starring is Michael Sirow, most recently seen in SXSW movie The Wrath Of Becky.
Colin Bates, who produced the Halle Berry thriller Kidnap and the Arnold Schwarzenegger zombie drama Maggie, is producing the hot indie with Vincent McDaniel.
Inspired by true events, Boneyard tells of an FBI special agent, played by Gibson, who along with the Albuquerque police department, is hunting for a serial killer nicknamed The Bone Collector. The chief of police and one of his officers, however, have a contrary view of the manhunt, believing someone in their own department may be the killer.
Jackson is playing the chief while Van Holt plays the officer who is connected to the case through a missing niece.
- 4/17/2023
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
UFC fighter Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone stars in the upcoming zombie film Project Legion, which is set to receive a theatrical release on October 7th, with an Apple TV release following just four days later on October 11th. With those dates just a few weeks away, a trailer for Project Legion has arrived online and can be seen in the embed above.
Lance Kawas (Good Thief) directed Project Legion from a screenplay he crafted with John Sullivan, Michael Pizzimenti, and James Raptoplous. Apparently they put together quite an epic, because Apple has the movie listed with a running time of 2 hours and 38 minutes. The story told over those 158 minutes has the following synopsis:
Feral creatures that prey on humans have descended upon the city. A furious fight for survival begins as the outside world descends into chaos and a former Marine (UFC superstar Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone), barricaded inside his apartment, prepares to come out fighting.
Lance Kawas (Good Thief) directed Project Legion from a screenplay he crafted with John Sullivan, Michael Pizzimenti, and James Raptoplous. Apparently they put together quite an epic, because Apple has the movie listed with a running time of 2 hours and 38 minutes. The story told over those 158 minutes has the following synopsis:
Feral creatures that prey on humans have descended upon the city. A furious fight for survival begins as the outside world descends into chaos and a former Marine (UFC superstar Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone), barricaded inside his apartment, prepares to come out fighting.
- 9/8/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
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