Sherlock Holmes is enjoying quite a resurgence, and not just the younger version of the deliberative detective: Miramax has acquired all U.S. distribution rights to “Mr. Holmes,” which imagines him in his later years. It will partner with Roadside Attractions on domestic theatrical distribution of the film.
Directed by Academy-Award winner Bill Condon and starring Academy Award nominees Ian McKellen and Laura Linney, the film, currently in post-production, is based on the award-winning Mitch Cullin novel “A Slight Trick of the Mind.” The screenplay was written by Jeffrey Hatcher.
“‘Mr. Holmes’ is a smart, exciting film that has attracted the highest-caliber director, cast and producers, and it is a perfect fit for Miramax,” said Thomas J. Barrack, Jr., chairman of Miramax. “We are very pleased to acquire U.S. distribution rights to ‘Mr. Holmes’ and to have the talented and insightful Roadside Attractions team as our partner for U.S. theatrical distribution.”
Also read: Miramax Acquires ‘Mr. Holmes’ Starring Ian McKellen and Laura Linney
“Bill Condon and Ian McKellen‘s collaboration on ‘Gods and Monsters’ continues to inspire us,” said Roadside Attractions’ co-president Eric d’Arbeloff. “So we are very excited to join with Miramax in releasing ‘Mr. Holmes,’ their fantastic take on the world’s favorite master sleuth.”
The story finds Holmes back from Japan, where he has witnessed the devastation of the atomic bomb. Living in a remote seaside farmhouse, he spends his last days tending bees with only his housekeeper (Linney) and her young son for company. Holmes comes to rely upon the boy as he revisits an unsolved case that forced him into retirement. He also searches for answers to the mysteries of life and love.
Zanne Devine, who became Miramax’s executive vice president of production and development in January, oversaw the acquisition on behalf of the studio. Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff from Roadside and Graham Taylor of WME negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers.
Ian McKellan is represented by CAA and CLD Communications. Laura Linney is repped by ICM and Brillstein Entertainment.