‘The Sting’ Oscar Winner David S. Ward to Direct Biopic on Plant-Based Nutrition Pioneer Dr. T. Colin Campbell (EXCLUSIVE)

David S. Ward, the Oscar-winning scribe behind “The Sting” and “Sleepless in Seattle,” is set to helm “Dr. Campbell,” a biographical drama about plant-based nutrition pioneer Dr. T. Colin Campbell.

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The project marks Ward’s return to the director’s chair after the 1996 film “Down Periscope.”

The film will trace Campbell’s journey from his upbringing on a dairy farm in the 1930s to his groundbreaking research linking diet to chronic diseases. It aims to explore the resistance Campbell faced from political, academic and corporate entities as his findings challenged established interests in the food industry. He also helped launch a movement with his bestselling book, “The China Study.”

The film’s logline reads: “From an unlikely starting point, and later battling his own illness, scientist Dr. Colin T. Campbell discovers that an animal-based diet dramatically increases the risk of disease, which threatens government, corporate and academic groups more interested in power and profit than in truth and health.”

“Dr. Campbell” is being produced by Silent D Pictures and PlantPure Productions, with Nelson Campbell, John Corry, Djonny Chen and Ajo Kacmar as producers. Nelson Campbell, the subject’s son and an executive producer on the project, has previously produced documentaries on plant-based nutrition. John Corry, known for “Forks Over Knives,” brings his experience in health-focused productions to the team.

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Silent D Pictures has previously produced inspirational drama “High Wire” and the social media-themed black comedy “Influenced!” starring “Harry Potter” alum Evanna Lynch.

Ward, known primarily for comedies and sports films including “King Ralph” and “Major League,” said in a statement: “What attracted me as much as the importance of Doctor Campbell’s discoveries was the character of the man behind them. An eccentric optimist with an unfailing sense of humor and an iron will, he challenges every conventional idea about what makes a great research scientist. There’s really no one quite like him.”

Production is slated to begin in mid-2025, with a targeted release in 2026. Philippe Ashfield at Instant Entertainment is handling publicity for the project.

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