After a successful Sundance premiere, Fox Searchlight is working on a deal to distribute Ben Lewin’s narrative competition drama THE SURROGATE worldwide. A source close to the deal says the price is estimated to be around $6 million.
Starring John Hawkes and Helen Hunt, the film experienced a well-received premiere this Monday afternoon at the Eccles Theatre. It follows the story of Mark O’Brien (Hawkes), the 38-year-old poet and journalist in an iron lung, who decides to lose his virginity with the help of Hunt’s sex surrogate. William H. Macy also stars as the priest who provides guidance to the conflicted man.
THE SURROGATE is Searchlight’s first purchase at this year’s festival. Last year the company bought breakout MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, along with two other films.
So far, this year’s Sundance has also been successful. Sony Pictures Classics bought the North American right to Malik Bendjelloul’s competition documentary SEARCHING FOR THE SUGAR MAN, while Magnolia Pictures grabbed Lauren Greenfield’s THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES. LD Distribution picked up the thriller BLACK ROCK and CBS Films bagged the drama THE WORDS.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
