Ben Affleck's 'The Town': How a Movie Robbery Got a Makeover

If you've ever wondered how Hollywood transforms book material into blockbusters, look no further than Ben Affleck's crime thriller, "The Town. " Set in Boston, this film tells the story of a bank robber named Doug MacRay who falls for a bank teller after a heist. But did you know the second robbery in the movie was nowhere to be found in the original book? That's right, no nuns disguised with assault rifles in "Prince of Thieves. " The book, penned by Chuck Hogan, features three robberies just like the movie, but with a twist. The first one is at the bank where Claire, the bank teller, works, and the third is at Fenway Park. It's the second heist that really sets the two apart. In the film, Doug and his crew rob an armored car while dressed as nuns – a scene that became the highlight of the film's promotional materials. But in the book, the second job is completely different: they knock over a movie theater. Why the change? Well, sometimes it's all about the visual impact. A group of robbers dressed as nuns holding assault rifles is certainly a vivid image that catches the eye. It’s a prime example of how filmmakers adapt stories to fit their vision and appeal to audiences. So, the next time you watch "The Town, " remember: the movie magic might be a bit different from the original tale.