Michael Mann To Direct Film About Poisoned Ex-Spy

(andPOP) - Michael Mann, director of dramatic thrillers like "Heat" and "Collateral," is set to bring the story of poisoned ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko to the big screen.

According to the Litvinenko Justice Foundation, Mann will direct a film based on the book "Death of a Dissident: The Poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko and the Return of the KGB." It was co-written by the former Russian spy's widow Marina and his friend Alex Goldfarb.

The London-based foundation campaigns for justice and compensation in the death of Litvinenko last November from radioactive poisoning, as well as for other victims poisoned with the radioactive substance.

The exiled Litvinenko had been an outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Kremlin has denied any involvement in his death.

Mann's other credits include "Miami Vice," "Ali," "The Insider," "The Last of the Mohicans" and "Manhunter."

Johnny Depp is reportedly producing a separate account of Litvinenko's life and death.