HBO has acquired the rights to Mark Chiusano’s book, The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos, and it will now be turned into a movie. 

The movie will explore the meteoric political rise of George Santos, who recently faced a dramatic end to his Washington D.C. career. He was expelled from Congress for alleged ethics violations, including the misuse of donor funds for activities like subscriptions to the website OnlyFans and Botox treatments. Santos “denies the charges and vows to fight back,” as stated on Deadline. 

The film is currently in development and is described as a forensic and darkly comic examination of the congressional race on Long Island that led to Santos’ election. The project is led by Frank Rich, known for his work on HBO’s Emmy-winning shows, Veep and Succession.

Written by Mike Makowsky, the film will focus on a seemingly minor local race that unexpectedly becomes a battle for the soul of Long Island. It explores the journey of George Santos, a man from nowhere who exploits the system, challenges truth, and deceives one of the wealthiest districts in the country on his path to achieving the American Dream. 

Santos faced attention and controversy due to revelations about fabrications in his resume and background. He is currently facing criminal charges, including wire fraud and identity theft, with the Department of Justice having filed additional counts against him. Santos pleaded not guilty. 

The film is produced by Frank Rich and Mike Makowsky, with Mark Chiusano serving as a consulting producer.