The Big Short and Moneyball writer Michael Lewis has deemed the rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried and the failed FTX firm as “signature Michael Lewis material,” according to his reps.
Bankman-Fried—now known infamously as SBF—was released on a $250 million bail in December after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged him with money laundering and frauds in connection with his fallen crypto company.
“The story has become too big for us to wait,” reads a leaked email from literary agent Matthew Snyder to potential buyers.
The email also revealed that the author and Berkeley resident, whose past works have become blockbuster adaptations starring Brad Pitt and Steve Carell, spent six months embedded with SBF.
Lewis learned firsthand from the son of Stanford professors about his childhood, his belief in "effective altruism" and how he built his crypto empire, for the upcoming book.
The spectacular implosion of the crypto company and SBF’s indictment have provided a “dramatic surprise ending” for Lewis’ book, said the email.
The author hasn’t started writing yet, but Apple, Vice Media and The Information already have their eyes set on the unwritten drama for TV and film rights.
Lewis and Apple were nearing a deal in November according to the Hollywood Reporter, leaving us wondering which A-lister will play Bankman-Fried in the inevitable blockbuster adaptation of the book.
Lewis’ literary agent and spokesperson was contacted for comment.