Edward Norton and Brett Ratner Making a Movie Called “American Hippopotamus”

Edward Norton and Brett Ratner are teaming up to adapt the absurd-but-true book “American Hippopotamus” for the big screen.

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Complex Original

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After the book American Hippopotamus recently became a big hit, it seemed inevitable that the story would be getting the big screen treatment. Edward Norton and Brett Ratner have brought us a step closer to making that a reality.

Deadline is reporting that the two have acquired the rights to the film, which will tell an absolutely amazing (and true) story. Per the book’s description from its publisher:

In 1910, the United States—its population exploding, its frontier all but exhausted—was in the throes of a serious meat shortage. But a small and industrious group of thinkers stepped forward with an answer, a bold idea being endorsed by the likes of Theodore Roosevelt and The New York Times. Their plan: to import hippopotamuses to the swamps of Louisiana and convince Americans to eat them.

While the plan never really took root (when was the last time you ate a hippo steak?), the story is so bizarre that it could make for a compelling movie. There is no indication as of yet if Norton will star, nor is there if the stars will be required to eat real hippo meat to prepare for their roles.

[via Vulture]

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