CBS Films has acquired U.S. distribution rights to Ritesh Batra’s adaptation of Julian Barnes’ bestselling book “The Sense of an Ending” from FilmNation Entertainment, the company announced Tuesday.
The film, which is currently shooting in London, stars Oscar winner Jim Broadbent, Charlotte Rampling, Harriet Walter, Emily Mortimer, Michelle Dockery, Billy Howle, Freya Mavor and Joe Alwyn, the latter of whom stars in Ang Lee‘s next movie “Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk.”
The movie was developed by BBC Films and Origin Pictures. Batra (“The Lunchbox”) is directing from a script by award-winning playwright Nick Payne. The film is being produced by David Thompson and Ed Rubin (“Woman In Gold”).
Broadbent plays Tony Webster, who leads a reclusive and quiet existence until long buried secrets from his past force him to face the flawed recollections of his younger self, the truth about his first love and the devastating consequences of decisions made a lifetime ago.
“‘The Sense of an Ending’ represents a perfect storm of creative talent,” said CBS Films president Terry Press. “It combines a superb cast led by the incomparable Jim Broadbent, the exceptional taste of FilmNation, BBC Films and Origin, and the beautiful talents of director Ritesh Batra, whom we have been hoping to work with since audiences fell in love with ‘The Lunchbox.’”
FilmNation Entertainment, BBC Films and LipSync are financing the film, which is being executive produced by Christine Langan and Ed Wethered from BBC Films, Ben Browning and Glen Basner from FilmNation Entertainment and Norman Merry from LipSync Productions.
CBS Films executives Scott Shooman and Jack Bleck negotiated the deal on behalf of the company, while Avy Eschenasy of Eschenasy Consulting and WME Global negotiated on behalf of FilmNation Entertainment.
