STXfilms has partnered with Lantern Entertainment to acquire worldwide distribution rights to The Upside, director Neil Burger’s heartfelt comedy about a recently paroled ex-convict (Kevin Hart) who strikes up an unusual and unlikely friendship with a paralyzed billionaire (Bryan Cranston).
“This is a hilariously funny and emotionally affecting film. It evokes elements of films like Trading Places and Scent of a Woman, while still being completely fresh with characters that are as memorable as they are hysterical,” said STXfilms Chairman Adam Fogelson. “Neil did an incredible job with this comedy and we can’t wait to work with Kevin Hart, Nicole Kidman, and Bryan Cranston. We are thrilled to add The Upside to the STXfilms slate and we look forward to working with the team at Lantern Entertainment.”
Lantern’s Andy Mitchell added, “STX is an ideal distribution partner for this heartwarming film that has universal appeal and features world-class performances. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to fostering a productive relationship with the entire STX team.”
Based on a true story, the film chronicles the unexpected friendship between Phillip Lacasse (Cranston), a Park Avenue billionaire left paralyzed after a hang-gliding accident, and convicted felon Dell (Hart), recently released from prison and in need of a job and a fresh start. From worlds apart, Phillip and Dell form an unlikely bond, bridging their differences and gaining invaluable wisdom in the process, giving each man a renewed sense of passion for all of life’s possibilities.
Nicole Kidman (Lion, The Beguiled) also stars along with Julianna Margulies (The Good Wife) and Aja Naomi King (How to Get Away with Murder). Jason Blumenthal (Southpaw), Todd Black (Fences), and Harvey Weinstein produced the project that filmed in Philadelphia back in March.
Written by Jon Hartmere, the English-language remake reinvents the French classic, The Intouchables, that took the world by storm and went on to gross over $400 million worldwide – making it the second-highest grossing non-English language film of all time.
The Upside is produced by Escape Artists. Jason Blumenthal, Todd Black, and Steve Tisch are set to produce.
