A “Who’s Who” list of celebrities is expected at the U.S. Theatrical Premiere of “Devil’s Knot,” a film about the West Memphis Three, this Saturday at the Central Arkansas Library System Ron Robinson Theater.
Among those expected to attend is Jason Baldwin, one of the West Memphis Three and executive producer of the film. Pam and Michelle Echols, the mother and sister of Damien Echols, another of the West Memphis Three, are also set to attend. Pam Hobbs, the mother of Stevie Branch, one of the three boys murdered in 1993, is also expected at the premiere.
The film’s director, an Academy Award-nominated director, Atom Egoyan, actors Stephen Moyer, who plays lead prosecutor John Fogleman, Rex Linn, who plays Gary Gitchell, Robert Baker, who plays Det. Bryn Ridge, and Kristopher Higgins, who plays Jessie Misskelley Jr., one of the West Memphis Three, will be at the premiere. Actresses Collette Wolfe, who plays Glori Shettles, and Anna Paquin will also attend.
Award-winning author Mara Leveritt, who wrote the book Devil’s Knot, which the movie is based on, is also on the guest list.
The film stars Academy Award-winning actors Colin Firth, who portrays Memphis private investigator Ron Lax, and Reese Witherspoon, as Hobbs. Other cast members include Dane DeHaan, Alessandro Nivola, Mireille Enos and Amy Ryan.
The film tells the story of three teens – Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley Jr. – who were convicted in the 1993 killing of three eight-year-old boys – Stevie Branch, Michael Moore and Christopher Byers – in West Memphis. The case gained national attention and scrutiny, and efforts formed to have the convicted freed. The teens, who became known as the West Memphis Three, were released in August 2011 as part of an Alford plea.
Doors open at 6 p.m. Saturday. The VIP guests are set to arrive at the Ron Robinson Theater at 5:30 p.m. with the movie screening beginning at 6:30 p.m. A post-screening reception will follow at 9:15 p.m.
Check out the trailer to the movie below.