Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the rights to The Seagull, starring Annette Bening
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the rights to The Seagull, directed by Michael Mayer and adapted by Stephan Karam from the classic play by Anton Chekhov. The film stars four-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening, two-time Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan, Golden Globe and Emmy winner Elisabeth Moss, Corey Stoll, Brian Dennehy, Mare Winningham, Jon Tenney, Glen Fleshler, Michael Zegen, and Billy Howle. The design team includes Ann Roth and Jane Musky. The film is looking at a 2018 release.
The Seagull is the heartbreaking and funny story of friends and lovers, all of whom are in love with the wrong person. The movie is timely in its depiction of the tragic consequences of narcissism, particularly on young dreams and romantic love. The play was written by dramatist Anton Chekhov in 1895 and first produced in 1896. Sidney Lumet directed a film version of the play in 1968 called The Sea Gull, starring Vanessa Redgrave.
“Here finally is the definitive film version of the master storyteller’s play. It is fun and the cast is simply sublime,” said Sony Pictures Classics.
Said Michael Mayer, “If I could dream up the perfect company to release my film, I would conjure Sony Classics. Michael Barker and Tom Bernard have released so many brilliant and varied films in the last nearly 30 years, it’s a huge honor to collaborate with them on the release of The Seagull.”
“Tom and Michael create passionate and devoted audiences for Sony Classics films and we are thrilled that The Seagull is in their excellent hands,” said producers Tom Hulce and Leslie Urdang.
The Seagull is produced by Tom Hulce, Leslie Urdang, Bob Salerno, Jay Franke & David Herro. The deal was negotiated between Sony Pictures Classics and CAA and Endeavor Content. Hyde Park International represents the remaining world rights.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
