IFC Films, Sapan Studios Buy Game Show Thriller ‘The Luckiest Man in America’ Following Toronto Film Festival Debut (EXCLUSIVE)
IFC Films and Sapan Studio have acquired the U.S. rights to “The Luckiest Man in America,” a true-life drama about a man who figured out the secret to a popular game show. The deal follows the film’s premiere at this month’s Toronto International Film Festival.
“The Luckiest Man in America” includes an ensemble of acclaimed actors such as Paul Walter Hauser (“Richard Jewell”), David Strathairn (“Good Night, and Good Luck”), Shamier Anderson (“John Wick: Chapter 4”), Walton Goggins (“Justified”), Maisie Williams (“Game of Thrones”), Haley Bennett (“Cyrano”), and Johnny Knoxville (“Jackass”). It was directed by Samir Oliveros, who co-wrote the screenplay with Maggie Briggs. IFC plans to release “The Luckiest Man in America” in theaters in 2025.
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The film unfolds in 1984 and follows an unemployed ice cream truck driver from Ohio (Hauser), who becomes a contestant on “Press Your Luck,” all while harboring a big secret. Because he understands a flaw in the show’s central game, he stands to make an unbelievable amount of money. As he goes on an unprecedented winning streak, bewildered executives in the control room start to uncover his real motivations. The film was a hit with critics when it screened at Toronto, with Hauser earning plaudits for his lead performance.
“It’s a complete thrill to be working with [AMC Networks Film Group head] Scott Shooman and the best in the business IFC Films team to bring audiences this quintessential American story so deftly realized by Samir Oliveros with a stellar performance from Paul Walter Hauser,” said Josh Sapan, head of Sapan Studio.
Sapan knows IFC Films intimately, having led its parent company AMC Networks as CEO for more than 20 years. Sapan Studios, the boutique film and TV production, distribution and media investment company he founded after leaving AMC, has worked closely with IFC, partnering with the indie studio on acquisitions such as “The Taste of Things” and “Ghostlight.” IFC’s other recent releases include “Late Night With the Devil” and “In a Violent Nature.”
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with IFC Films and Sapan Studio for the release of my first English language film,” Oliveros said in a statement. “Their catalog is impressive and timeless. It’s exciting to join their roster of such legendary filmmakers to bring this very American story to audiences across the country.”
“The Luckiest Man in America” is produced by Amanda Freedman and executive produced by Juan de Dios Larraín, Pablo Larraín, Andrew Hevia, Paul Walter Hauser, Ron Black, Sara McFarlane, Damiano Tucci, Tiziano Tucci, Sophia Banks, Divya Shahani, Arun Thapar, Roger Lolly, Juan Pablo Solano, and Simón Beltrán.
The deal was negotiated by Shooman for IFC Films, Sapan for Sapan Studio, and CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers.
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