QED International’s sales prospects received a timely boost as Open Road Films acquired all US rights to comedy Rock The Kasbah.

Barry Levinson will direct Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Kate Hudson, Danny McBride, Shia LaBeouf and Zooey Deschanel in the story of a washed-up rock manager who champions a young Afghan girl and guides her through her country’s version of American Idol.

Production is scheduled to kick off in June 2014.

QED International and Venture Forth are financing the project. Mitch Glazer wrote the screenplay and QED CEO Bill Block, Venture Forth’s Jacob Pechenik, Shangri-La Entertainment’s Steve Bing and Mitch Glazer will produce.

Brian Grazer and Tom Freston serve as executive producers.

“With its brilliant script, superb cast and Barry Levinson at the helm, Rock The Kasbah promises to be a true comedy event on a global scale,” said Block.

“Open Road’s proven track record with so many different genres makes them a perfect home for this unique project, and we couldn’t be more excited to continue the relationship with Tom and his team.”

Open Road plans a wide release.

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