Most of us are probably already quite familiar with the story of how the Maersk Alabama was boarded by pirates off the coast of Somalia. Capt. Richard Phillips was then taken as hostage and held on a boat by three of the four pirates; he was eventually rescued through the help of Navy SEALs.

It all seems like a recollection from years gone by, but in reality, this all happened only early this year. From that time until today, though, it will probably still be difficult to forget that it happened, as several developments seem to ensure that we are constantly reminded of that event. For one, Columbia pictures already got the rights to Capt. Richard Phillips’ story in May, and the company is obviously bent on making that movie happen. In the producers’ seat are Michael De Luca, Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti and Scott Rudin.

Soon to join the ranks of people working on making this movie become a reality is writer Billy Ray, who has been tapped by Columbia to pen the movie screenplay. He will, of course, not be wanting of materials and sources of dramatic moments; the movie will, after all, be based on events that have been widely documented and followed. At the center of the story is Captain Richard Phillips, and it will probably be interesting to see how the story of the four pirates and the participation of the Navy SEALs will be played out.

The movie will not be the only recollection of the hostage drama that people can look forward to. Capt. Phillips will also be coming up with a memoir, “A Captain’s Duty: Somali Pirates, Navy SEALs and Five Dangerous Days,” reportedly set to be published by Hyperion in April.