Jessica Chastain Spy Thriller ‘355’ Lands at Universal After Bidding War
Cannes 2018: Universal nabs the film that also stars Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, Lupita Nyong’o and Fan Bingbing
Steve Pond | May 12, 2018 @ 4:40 AM
Last Updated: May 12, 2018 @ 3:17 PM
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The buzziest title for sale in this year’s Cannes film market has landed a buyer, with Universal Pictures announcing that it has acquired U.S. distribution rights to “355” in what the studio said was “a competitive situation” — i.e., a bidding war.
The film stars Jessica Chastian, Lupita Nyong’o, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz and Fan Bingbing as spies, and was written by Theresa Rebeck. All five women, along with director Simon Kinberg, were in Cannes to pitch the film to prospective buyers.
Chastain and Kelly Carmichael will produce for the actress’ Freckle Films company, along with Kinberg.
CAA Media Finance negotiated the deal with Universal. FilmNation Entertainment is handling international sales.
“355” was based on an original idea by Chastain about five female secret agents from different countries who team up to stop an evil syndicate from acquiring a super-weapon.
Matt Donnelly contributed to this report.
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Cannes 2018: Paul Dano, Alice Rohrwacher and A.B. Shawky are among the filmmakers presenting their work at this year’s festival
Some of the hot directors from around the globe who are presenting films at this year's Cannes Film Festival.