Jake Johnson’s Survival Comedy ‘Self Reliance’ Will Play in Theaters for One Day Before Hulu Debut

Jake Johnson’s survival comedy “Self Reliance” will play on the big screen for one day before it lands on Hulu.

Neon is releasing the film in 225 North American theaters on Jan. 3 in partnership with the cinema chain AMC Theatres. During the one-night stunt, audiences will be treated to 10 extra minutes of behind-the-scenes footage and a discussion with Johnson and his “New Girl” co-star Lamorne Morris.

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“Self Reliance” will begin streaming on Hulu on Jan 12.

Johnson wrote and directed the movie in addition to starring as Tommy, a man who is offered $1 million to play a game in which he must outwit hunters as they attempt to kill him. He thinks he has found the perfect loophole because he can only be attacked when he’s alone. The only problem is that none of his friends or family want to keep him company because they don’t believe the game is real. Andy Samberg, Anna Kendrick, Natalie Morales (“Parks and Recreation”), Emily Hampshire (“Schitt’s Creek”) and Wayne Brady (“How I Met Your Mother”) round out the cast.

In Variety’s review, chief film critic Peter Debruge compared “Self Reliance” to a “lo-fi, gore-free ‘Squid Game,'” adding that “Johnson delivers a silly and frequently surprising why-we-need-people parable that leans on laughs in lieu of peril.”

Hulu acquired “Self Reliance” after the genre-bending movie after its premiere at the 2023 SXSW Festival. As part of the deal, MRC, which backed the project, and Paramount Global Content Distribution, are attached to the film.

The Lonely Island, the “Saturday Night Live” comedy trio comprised of Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone, produced the film. Walcott Productions also produced with Ali Bell, Joe Hardesty and Johnson.

Neon recently acquired Sydney Sweeney’s religious horror film “Immaculate.” The specialty studio’s 2024 slate includes Sean Baker’s new romantic drama “Anora” and Pamela Adlon’s directorial debut “Babes,” starring Ilana Glazer and Michelle Buteau.

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