The bidding war for an Oscar-winning director's upcoming thriller concluded with a record $85 million distribution deal, the largest acquisition ever for a completed independent film. Three major studios competed aggressively for the rights.
The film, a psychological thriller starring two of Hollywood's most bankable actors, was produced independently for $28 million and has already generated enormous buzz following private industry screenings.
The deal signals a potential shift in how high-profile filmmakers approach distribution, bypassing the traditional studio development process to maintain creative control while still securing wide theatrical releases.
