In an EFM record deal that marks a victory for theatrical distribution, Sony has reportedly paid $60m for worldwide rights to the Tom Hanks comedy package A Man Called Otto.
Marc Forster will direct the English-language adaptation of SF Studios’ A Man Called Ove, the Swedish hit from Hannes Holm starring Rolf Lassgard that grossed $31m worldwide and earned two Oscar nominations in 2017.
SF Studios is fully financing the project, which is set to commence principal photography imminently in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is reportedly being fast-tracked for a December holiday season theatrical release in the US on around 2,000 screens.The previous biggest EFM deal came last year when Netflix paid $55m for Scott Cooper’s The Pale Blue Eye starring Christian Bale, which is set to open later this year.
David Magee’s screenplay is adapted from Fredrik Backman’s novel A Man Called Ove and centres on a curmudgeonly widower who gives everyone a hard time until he meets the boisterous new neighbours and an unlikely friendship ensues. The cast includes Mariana Treviño, Rachel Keller and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo
Fredrik Wikström Nicastro of SF Studios is producing alongside Rita Wilson, and Playtone partners Hanks and Gary Goetzman. Forster and Renée Wolfe will serve as executive producers via their production company 2DUX2, and Magee.
Jon Freedberg, EVP content strategy and business development, and Joe Matukewicz, head of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions’ Stage 6 Films, brokered the deal for Sony Pictures with CAA Media Finance, Lichter Grossman Nichols Adler Feldman & Clark, and Craig Emanuel of Paul Hastings on behalf of the filmmakers. STXinternational represented international sales.
A Man Called Ove has been translated into more than 40 languages. The original Swedish film won best comedy at the European Film Awards.
No comments yet