Audio journalism platform Curio is launching a new original series telling real-life stories read by iconic stars.
Episode one of the four-part series, Retold sees acclaimed actor James McAvoy tell the real-life story that inspired the film War Dogs. The 2016 film follows the unlikely rise of teenagers Efraim Diviroli and David Packouz as they earn millions from the international arms trade during Iraq and Afghan wars.
The reading is taken from the article The Stoner Arms Dealers: How Two American Kids Became Big-Time Weapons Traders, written by Guy Lawson and first published by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2011.
James McAvoy, BAFTA and Golden Globe-nominated actor said: “The true story behind War Dogs is wilder than I thought. Reading the story of Gun Runners Efraim Diviroli and David Packouz’s unlikely rise to the top of the arms trade is so mind-blowing it’s almost unbelievable.
“The beauty of audio storytelling is that without the distraction of special effects and visuals, we’re forced to become fully immersed in the details and thread of the story. I hope you’ll enjoy getting into the murky details with me.”
Christina Moore, Curio’s Chief Content Officer, said: “James McAvoy breathes new life into this remarkable story of two teenagers who make millions trading arms with the US government during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“Transforming exceptional stories into highly produced narrated audio opens timeless journalism like this up to an entirely new audience.
“We’ve been super excited to kick off the Retold series with James and are delighted to give a platform to lesser-known stories, read by iconic stars in the coming series.”
Curio curates and narrates news and content from leading publications from around the world, along with its original series.
The first episode of Retold, The Stoner Arms Dealers: How Two American Kids Became Big-Time Weapons Traders, told by James McAvoy launches on Curio today, Wednesday 17 May.
