Catherine Hardwicke will next direct “The Monkey Wrench Gang,” based on Edward Abbey’s anti-establishment classic of the same name. Publication of Abbey’s novel in 1975 gave rise to a new generation of environmentalists who practiced “monkey-wrenching” — sabotage for the sake of saving the Earth.
Story concerns a motley group of environmental warriors who wage mayhem against road builders and other developers in southern Utah. The film is currently in pre production with filming due to start in May, at several locations across New Mexico.