Cillian Murphy to Produce and Star in ‘Blood Runs Coal’ Movie Adaptation

Cillian Murphy, recent Oscar winner for his role in ‘Oppenheimer,’ is slated to both produce and star in the upcoming film adaptation of ‘Blood Runs Coal,’ based on the true crime story of the Yablonski murders in the 1960s.

Universal Pictures, the studio behind ‘Oppenheimer,’ has acquired the rights for the adaptation, with the script being penned by Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth.

‘Blood Runs Coal’ is a scripted adaptation of Mark A. Bradley’s 2020 true crime book, delving into the events surrounding the murder of Joseph Yablonski and his family amidst a labor battle in the United Mine Workers of America.

Cillian Murphy will take on the role of Chip Yablonski, the son of Joseph Yablonski, who narrowly escaped the same fate as his family and dedicated his life to seeking justice for his father, caught in a political feud with United Mine Workers president Tony Boyle.

The Yablonski murders, orchestrated by Tony Boyle, former head of the United Mine Workers, were a pivotal moment in organized labor’s history and led to significant reforms in the unions involved.

Joseph Yablonski, a key figure in the United Mine Workers in Pennsylvania, challenged the leadership of Tony Boyle in 1969, leading to his tragic murder along with his wife and daughter.

The scandal surrounding the Yablonski murders involved Albert Pass, a member of the United Mine Workers’ executive council, who hired hitmen to carry out the killings using embezzled funds from the union.

Cillian Murphy’s involvement in ‘Blood Runs Coal’ follows his success in various period pieces, including ‘Peaky Blinders’ and ‘Oppenheimer,’ showcasing his versatility in historical dramas.

No details on the release date or production status of the film have been disclosed by Universal Pictures at this time.