Celine Song, the director behind the critically acclaimed film “Past Lives,” has caught the attention of Sony Pictures with her upcoming project, “Materialists.” The rom-com, set to be sold by A24, has already attracted A-list talent including Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal, who are all in talks to star in the film. The story revolves around a professional matchmaker who finds herself torn between a wealthy man and a broke actor-waiter from her past.
International Distribution Deal
Sony Pictures has secured the international distribution rights for “Materialists,” excluding Russia, China, and Japan, in what is said to be an eight-figure deal. A24 will handle the U.S. release of the film, marking another major collaboration between the two studios. The success of “Past Lives,” which earned an Oscar Best Picture nomination, has undoubtedly contributed to the anticipation surrounding Song’s next project.
Behind the scenes, producers Christine Vachon and Pam Koffler of Killer Films, along with David Hinojosa of 2AM, are working closely with Celine Song on bringing “Materialists” to life. Song not only directs the film but also takes on the role of screenwriter and producer. With such a talented team on board, the project is expected to start production as early as this spring.
Industry Buzz
Initially known as an in-demand project at the European Film Market, “Materialists” has garnered positive feedback from industry insiders. Despite some initial skepticism about the genre shift for Song, distributors who have read the script are reportedly enthused about the project. The decision by Sony Pictures to acquire most of the international rights has further solidified the film’s reputation in the market.
As attention now turns to other potential acquisitions, “Materialists” remains a standout project that has already made waves in the industry. With its star-studded cast and unique storyline, the film is poised to make a significant impact upon its release. Foreign buyers who may have missed out on the opportunity to acquire rights to the film are now looking towards other promising projects on the horizon. Sony Pictures’ successful acquisition of “Materialists” only serves to further enhance its reputation as a major player in the global film distribution market.