Anita Bryant

In 1977, as now, gay rights initiatives were a contentious issue on many state ballots, and entertainers often drew harsh criticism for taking political stances. So it's no wonder HBO thinks the time is right for a biopic about Anita Bryant.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the cable channel is developing a movie about the singer-turned-activist. 'Sex and the City' creator Darren Star is directing and co-producing the film, whose writer is Chad Hodge (best known for the CW's fugitive-family drama series 'Runaway,' whose pilot Star produced).

Today, many people have no idea who Anita Bryant is. The Miss America contestant turned professional singer and commercial spokesperson turned anti-gay celebrity activist was a firebrand to a controversy that raged in the 1980s, but for entire generation -- maybe more -- she's unknown. Darren Star, creator of 'Sex and the City' will change that.

The upcoming HBO movie planned to tell the Anita Bryant story should be fascinating. 'Sex and the City's' Darren Star will direct the Bryant biopic and Chad Hodge is writing the script.

HBO has a track record for doing this type of real life docudrama very well, including the classic 'The Late Shift' which depicted David Letterman's exit from NBC and Jay Leno's seizing 'The Tonight Show.' More recently, 'Recount' told the story of the 2000 presidential election when Florida was thrust into the limelight because of voting irregularities.