"Selma" star David Oyelowo to portray courthouse shooter Brian Nichols in new movie

David Oyelowo, who earned a best-actor Golden Globe nomination for his stirring portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the highly acclaimed, Atlanta-filmed movie "Selma," portrays Brian Nichols, who 10 years ago  murdered four people after fleeing the Fulton County Courthouse, where he was to stand trial for rape, in a new movie.

Directed by veteran filmmaker Jerry Jameson, "Captive" comes out in September.

080929-ATLANTA- Accused gunman Brian Nichols listens to testimony from retired Fulton County Deputy Grantley White as he takes the stand for the second day during proceedings Monday 9/29/09. Nichols is accused of murdering Judge Rowland Barnes and court reporter Julie Ann Brandau at the Fulton County Courthouse before escaping the facility and gunning down Deputy Sheriff Hoyt Teasley and David Wilhelm, an off-duty federal agent, in 2005. John Spink / Atlanta Journal Constitution - Pool Brian Nichols during his 2005 murder trial. AJC file photo: John Spink

Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Credit: Jennifer Brett

"I was drawn to this story because it beautifully illustrates how a broken spirit can be healed by an unexpected source of hope," Oyelowo said in a statement. "I feel blessed to be continuing my very fruitful relationship with Paramount."

David Oyelowo plays Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in SELMA, from Paramount Pictures, Pathé, and Harpo Films. David Oyelowo played Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in "Selma." Photo: Paramount

Credit: Jennifer Brett

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Credit: Jennifer Brett

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"Captive" is based on the book "Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero," written by Ashley Smith with Stacy Mattingly. The film's screenplay is by Brian Bird.

Ashley Smith Robinson, as she is known today, spoke recently with the AJC's Sheila Poole.  Kate Mara will portray her in the movie.

The movie also stars Michael K Williams, Mimi Rogers, Jessica Oyelowo and Leonor Varela and was produced by Terry Botwick, Jerry Jameson, David Oyelowo and Ken Wales in addition to BN Films' Alex Garcia, Lucas Akoskin and Katrina Wolfe.  The executive producers are Santiago Garcia Galvan, BN's Jonathan Gray, Elliott Lester, Ralph Winter and Bird.  BN fully financed the picture.

“In March of 2005 Ashley’s story captivated the nation on news outlets everywhere. Her story is thrilling and redemptive as God intersected the lives of two very broken people in the most dramatic way," Bostwick said in a statement. "It has been amazing getting to know Ashley and to be working with such fine actors. I’m so pleased to also be partnering with Paramount to bring this authentic encounter to a worldwide audience.”

"Jerry Jameson has done a fantastic job bringing to life Ashley Smith's harrowing ordeal and miraculous redemption, and Kate Mara portrays her with phenomenal sensitivity and poignancy," said said Alex Garcia, President of AG Studios, the holding company of BN Films.