A24 announced this morning that they have picked up the North American distribution rights to James Ponsoldt’s The Spectacular Now, which played very well at the Sundance Film Festival over the weekend in competition.
Adapted from Tim Tharp’s novel by Scott Neustadter and Michael Weber, who wrote the previous Sundance hit (500) Days of Summer, it stars Miles Teller (Footloose) and Shailene Woodley (The Descendants), as well as Brie Larson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kyle Chandler and Andre Royo.
Last year, James Ponsoldt brought the dramedy Smashed, starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, to the festival which sold to Sony Pictures Classics.
The full press release is below:
A24 announced the acquisition of North American rights to Sundance favorite THE SPECTACULAR NOW. The James Ponsoldt directed film, from a script by Scott Neustadter and Michael Weber, has become one of the darlings of the Sundance Film Festival and features breakout performances by Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley. Film also features wonderful turns by Brie Larson, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kyle Chandler and Andre Royo. Film premiered on Friday night at Sundance in US Dramatic Competition. A24 will release the film this summer.
“We fell in love with this film the minute that we watched it and we know the rest of the country will embrace this timeless love story. James has directed a wonderful film that depicts young love with complete authenticity and has two young stars giving incredible performances with Miles Teller and Shailene Woodley.” says A24.
Producer Andrew Lauren says, “I am so thrilled that the film has found a home with a company that has such passion for it. It’s been an amazing Sundance and we are so gratified by the incredibly warm response here.”
The Spectacular Now was produced by Tom McNulty, Shawn Levy, Andrew Lauren, and Michelle Krumm.
The deal was negotiated with A24 by UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the filmmakers. James Ponsoldt is also represented by UTA.
