EMP Threat Takes Center Stage as Forstchen's Novel Transforms into Film

EMP Threat Takes Center Stage as Forstchen’s Novel Transforms into Film

William R. Forstchen, an acclaimed author, has garnered attention for his bestselling novel titled “One Second After.” The narrative imagines the catastrophic consequences of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) strike on the United States, and this gripping story is now being adapted into a feature film.

The screenplay for the film is being penned by J. Michael Straczynski, a notable figure in the sci-fi genre. Forstchen will also serve as an executive producer, ensuring that his vision comes to life on screen.

In an engaging discussion with Fox News Digital, Forstchen shared insights about the real-life threats that inspired his writing. He pointed out that the potential for an EMP attack is a significant concern, one that should not be dismissed as mere fiction.

Forstchen remarked, “I wanted to draft a highly accurate account of the aftermath in a small North Carolina town if the electricity ceased to exist permanently.” His commitment to realism informs the narrative and its potential impact on audiences.

From Academic Aspirations to Literary Inspiration

During his time wrapping up his Ph.D. at Purdue University, Forstchen found himself drawn to the compelling idea of writing about an EMP attack. Despite initial challenges in getting the novel underway, a stroke of inspiration struck during his graduation ceremony.

He described this pivotal moment as a “God moment.” Overwhelmed in his graduation robes while observing fellow students and family members, he realized he needed to tell a story about his community. He stated, “Write about us, write about my town.”

This realization led Forstchen back to his roots in the area near Asheville, North Carolina, where he committed to crafting an authentic narrative detailing the chaos that might follow an EMP event.

Unearthing the Human Element through Interviews

To enhance the authenticity of his work, Forstchen embarked on a series of interviews with various local figures. His interactions with community members helped him grasp the intricate connections people have with the essential lifeline of electricity.

He shared, “I started interviewing people like crazy – police chief, pharmacist – and I learned how deeply everything depends on that invisible lifeline of electricity.” One conversation with a local pharmacist stood out; she broke down upon realizing the dire consequences an EMP strike could impose on vulnerable members of the community.

Forstchen recalled a poignant exchange with the local police chief, stating, “I said, ‘All right, Jack, what would you do?’ He picked up the phone and then realized, ‘Wait a minute, the phones don’t work anymore, do they?’” Moments like these profoundly influenced the storyline of his novel.

He continued to emphasize the importance of the pharmacist in his narrative. “She knows her patients better than anyone. As she detailed a list of individuals who would struggle for life within months, I realized how critical their survival would be.”

The Process of Shaping ‘One Second After’

Through numerous interviews, Forstchen was able to craft a compelling story. Released in 2009, “One Second After” quickly became a bestseller, resonating with readers and raising awareness about the realities of an EMP attack.

Currently, the novel is set to be adapted into a film by MPI in collaboration with Startling Inc. Under the direction of Scott Rogers, the film’s shooting is expected to commence in Bulgaria this September.

Preparing for a Grim Reality

In previous discussions, Forstchen has underscored the serious nature of an EMP threat. He declared, “EMP is generated when a small nuclear weapon, ranging from 40 to 60 kilotons, detonates approximately 200 miles above the United States. This generates an electrostatic discharge that impacts the power grid, causing widespread failures.”

His commentary highlights why Americans must recognize the reality of this danger, with empirical research suggesting a chilling statistic: if an EMP attack were to occur, between 80% and 90% of the population might perish within a year.

Forstchen elaborated on the historical context behind EMP research, referring to the 1962 Starfish Prime nuclear test. This event, which created an EMP effect, demonstrated the vulnerability of electrical systems even when far from the explosion’s epicenter. “They restored systems within days then, but what if it took significantly longer to fix?” he questioned.

The Warning of Experts

The late Peter Pry, a prominent nuclear weapons expert, echoed Forstchen’s concerns prior to his passing in 2022. Pry even suggested that North Korea’s missile launches were a test of EMP capabilities aimed at the United States.

He warned, “Cars would be immobilized. Airplanes could crash. Gas pipelines might explode, and nuclear reactors could become overloaded. The most concerning outcome of a long-term blackout would be the existential threat posed to the American populace.”