Sundance: Bill Hader-Kristen Wiig’s ‘The Skeleton Twins’ Sells
Lionsgate, Roadside Attractions and Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions have acquired rights in all territories to Craig Johnson’s drama “The Skeleton Twins,” starring Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig.
Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions have jointly acquired U.S. rights to the film, while SPWA is taking all worldwide rights. Pic will be released Stateside late summer 2014.
“The Skeleton Twins,” which premiered in competition on Jan. 18, features Hader and Wiig as estranged twins, who are brought together by an unexpected reunion.
Speaking of unexpected, the acquisition by Roadside, at least, marks a unseen move for the distrib, especially after Wiig’s more-serious-than-funny “Girl Most Wanted” struggled at the box office and on VOD.
That said, “The Skeleton Twins” has garnered positive reviews. Variety‘s Geoff Berkshire said the film distinguishes itself from other sibling-focused indies “with a pair of knockout performances from “Saturday Night Live” veterans.”
“Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig give brilliant, breakout performances as a live wire but also out of control brother and sister who have to reconnect, and we fell in love with Craig Johnson’s amazingly assured film,” said Roadside co-prexy Howard Cohen.
The deals were negotiated by Jason Constantine, Eda Kowan and Wendy Jaffe on behalf of Lionsgate; Howard Cohen on behalf of Roadside Attractions; SPWA’s Michael Helfand, Joe Matukewicz and Jon Freedberg for international territories; ICM Partners and UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the film; with Jonathan Gray and André Des Rochers of Gray Krauss Stratford Sandler Des Rochers on behalf of the producers.
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