Trap, the latest M. Night Shyamalan creation, chronicles a sting operation targeting what appears to be a normal dad enjoying a concert with his daughter. Copper (Josh Harnett) figures out that the FBI has set up a trap for him at the event.
Trap is based on a real-life operation by the U.S. Marshals and the police
As outlandish as it may sound, Trap is based on a true story. In 1985, the U.S. Marshals and the police lured over 100 fugitives to a Washington Redskins (now Commanders) game using the promise of free Super Bowl tickets.
Police officers posed as event staffers as they organized the criminals into groups that would be easier to manage. “We were worried that some of [the fugitives] would recognize each other from maybe being incarcerated together or being involved in criminal activities together,” retired federal agent Tobias Roche told British GQ.
Shyamalan told BBC News that he heard the story as a kid and was intrigued by it. He said, “[The authorities] used the absurdity against them because they lowered their guard, which I thought was quite brilliant.”
“So it just stuck with me, and I guess when Saleka and I were thinking about a movie at a concert, I wondered, why would this person not be able to get out, and how can I keep them there?” the director continued. “It was hilarious. The cops were literally cheerleaders and mascots. And [the criminals] were all caught. It was so twisted and funny.”