Sony Pictures Classics Takes North America, China On Olivia Colman-Jessie Buckley Picture ‘Wicked Little Letters’

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired rights in North America and China to mystery-comedy Wicked Little Letters from Studiocanal, for a 2024 theatrical release.

The film is directed by Thea Sharrock (Me Before You) from a screenplay by Jonny Sweet (Greed). Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley co-star in the period comedy-drama which world premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.

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Additional cast include Anjana Vasan, Timothy Spall, Hugh Skinner, Malachi Kirby, Gemma Jones), Lolly Adefope), Eileen Atkins and Alisha Weir.

The deal was negotiated between SPC and Studiocanal, which financed the film with Film4. Sony Pictures’ Stage 6 Films previously acquired additional international rights.

The film is produced by Blueprint Pictures (Emma, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri) alongside South of The River Pictures and Jo Wallett.

It is executive produced by Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern, and Joe Naftalin for Studiocanal and Daniel Battsek, Ollie Madden, and Farhana Bhula for Film4. In addition to writing the screenplay, Sweet also executive produced the film along with Simon Bird for Person Pictures.

Set in a 1920s English seaside and inspired by a true story, the movie revolves around two neighbors: deeply conservative local Edith Swan (Colman) and rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Buckley).

When Edith and fellow residents begin to receive wicked letters full of unintentionally hilarious profanities, foul-mouthed Rose is charged with the crime. The anonymous letters prompt a national uproar, and a trial ensues but an investigation suggests Rose is not the culprit.

“Wicked Little Letters not only showcases great actors at the peak of their comedic form but also provides the kind of fun, rich entertainment audiences hunger for now more than ever,” said SPC.

The acquisition reunites SPC with actors Colman and Spall, who have both starred in films previously released by the distributor, including The Father for Colman and Mr. Turner for Spall.

Studiocanal’s Head of International Sales Chloe Marquet said of the deal: “We are thrilled to partner with SPC on Wicked Little Letters, and closely following the fantastic reception in TIFF. We know that SPC is the ideal partner to bring this very special movie to audiences in North America next year.”

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