Denis Villeneuve and Alcon, riding high on rave reviews out of Telluride for the French-Canadian auteur’s English-language debut Prisoners, have signed a two-year overall deal.

Prisoners stars Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal and will play as a special presentation in Toronto on Friday.

Alcon has signed Villeneuve for his writing and directing services over a two-year period, extendable by any period during which Villeneuve is directing a film either for Alcon or a third party.

The agreement calls for a blind script commitment providing Villeneuve the time to both write and direct a feature project. The parties are currently mulling over a number of ideas.

“Our experience with Denis has been one of the most creative and satisfying of our careers,” said Alcon co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson.

“He’s truly one of the most insightful, artistic filmmakers working today. We believe he’s directed a tremendous film with Prisoners and are excited to partner with him on more projects going forward.”

Warner Bros will release Prisoners on Sept 20 in the US and Canada. Summit International handles sales outside North America.

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