In a joint acquisition with Lionsgate, Hulu has bought its first festival film, writer-director Jeff Baena‘s dark comedy “Joshy,” the companies announced Tuesday.
“Joshy” debuted at the Sundance Film Festival to mixed reviews. The film stars Thomas Middleditch, Adam Pally, Nick Kroll, Alex Ross Perry and Brett Gelman, as well as Jenny Slate, Aubrey Plaza, Lauren Graham, Paul Reiser, Alison Brie, Lauren Weedman and Lisa Edelstein.
The film will be released on Lionsgate’s specialty film distribution label, Lionsgate Premiere, and will be available to stream exclusively on Hulu following its theatrical run.
“Joshy” follows a man who presses on with his bachelor party plans in Ojai, California after his engagement ends badly. Awkwardly bonding with the few friends still willing to join him while focused on drugs and their own hangups, Josh’s self-absorbed friends refuse to confront the elephant in the room and ask Josh how he’s feeling. As welcome and unwelcome guests stop by, Josh will attempt to find some closure over this weekend with the guys.
Produced by Liz Destro, Michael Zakin and Adam Pally and executive produced by Starstream’s Kim Leadford and Charles Bonan and Bow and Arrow Entertainment’s Michael Sherman and Matthew Perniciaro, “Joshy” had its world premiere in the US Dramatic Completion section at Sundance.
“We’re proud to expand our multi-faceted relationship with Hulu that already includes four original television series, our partnership in Epix and licensing of our content to their platform,” said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television and Digital Distribution Jim Packer. “The extension of our alliance into film acquisitions signals a new growth opportunity for both companies and ‘Joshy’ is a great movie to kick it off. Jeff Baena and his creative team have made a hilarious and irreverent film that we believe will resonate with moviegoers and online audiences alike.”
The deal was negotiated by WME Global on behalf of StarStream. It was negotiated by Geobert Abboud, executive VP of strategic & business development of worldwide home entertainment, Eda Kowan, executive VP of acquisitions & co-productions and acquisitions executive Lauren Freeman on behalf of Lionsgate.
The deal was first reported by Bloomberg News.