The incredible story of James Howells and his lost Bitcoin fortune is set to be adapted into a documentary series. Los Angeles-based media startup Lebul announced on Tuesday that it secured exclusive rights to produce a premium documentary series titled Buried Bitcoin: The True Treasure Hunt of James Howells. The project will chronicle Howells' decade-long quest to recover a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoins (worth over $80 billion at current prices).
A Cinematic Tech Thriller with Real-World Stakes
The Lebul production will blend "cinematic storytelling" with investigative journalism, exploring:
- Blockchain forensics: The technical challenges of recovering encrypted assets
- Legal battles: Howells' ongoing court cases against Newport City Council
- Environmental impact: The ecological implications of excavating a 14,000-ton landfill
"This isn't just content—it's a real-life tech thriller with nearly $10 billion at stake," said Reese Van Allen, President of Lebul Unscripted Entertainment.
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The Decade-Long Treasure Hunt
Key milestones in Howells' search:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Accidentally discards hard drive |
| 2023 | Loses initial court case |
| 2024 | Appeal rejected |
| Present | Pursuing alternative recovery methods |
The computer engineer from Newport, South Wales continues to explore:
- Purchasing the landfill site
- Crowdfunding through NFTs
- Advanced recovery technologies
Environmental and Legal Challenges
Critical obstacles include:
- 1-in-100 million odds of successful recovery (per waste management experts)
- Required approvals from Natural Resources Wales
- Potential ecological damage from excavation
Despite these challenges, Howells remains convinced that "with proper funding and technology, recovery is possible."
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How did James Howells lose his Bitcoins?
A: He accidentally threw away a hard drive containing his Bitcoin wallet in 2013.
Q: Why can't he just recover the hard drive?
A: The drive is buried under 14,000 tons of garbage in a regulated landfill, requiring special permissions.
Q: What makes this documentary unique?
A: It combines elements of true crime, environmental documentary, and tech journalism.
Q: Could the Bitcoins still be accessible?
A: If recovered intact before 2030 (when the landfill's liner degrades), yes—but the drive may have suffered physical damage.
Q: Who's financing the recovery efforts?
A: Private investors and potential NFT backers, though details remain confidential.
Q: When will the documentary release?
A: Production timelines haven't been disclosed, but Lebul reports strong interest from streaming platforms.