Robert Redford to play Dan Rather in film about the former news anchor’s fallout at CBS

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Robert Redford will play Dan Rather in a film about the former CBS anchor’s disputed report about President George W. Bush’s National Guard service.

The film, titled “Truth,” will be adapted from the memoir “Truth And Duty: The Press, The President, And The Privilege Of Power” by former CBS producer Mary Mapes, said the production company, Mythology Entertainment. Cate Blanchett is signed on to play Mapes.

The movie will chronicle the scandal that erupted after Rather’s 2004 report for “60 Minutes II,” produced by Mapes. The story cited documents as proof of preferential treatment for Bush during the Vietnam War that were not authenticated by CBS. Mapes was fired, and Rather departed the “CBS Evening News” months later.

Rather, who has maintained the story was accurate, later filed a $70 million lawsuit against CBS and its parent company, Viacom, claiming he was made a scapegoat. The suit was dismissed.

“Truth” will be written and directed by James Vanderbilt. It’s the directorial debut of the writer of “The Amazing Spider-Man,” ”Zodiac” and “White House Down.”

No studio is yet attached to distribute the film. Shooting is expected to begin in the fall.