The North American rights to the Nicolas Cage, Willem Dafoe action thriller “Dog Eat Dog” have been acquired by RLJ Entertainment, the company announced Wednesday.
Based on the novel by Edward Bunker, “Dog Eat Dog” was written by Matthew Wilder and was directed by Paul Schrader.
Also starring Christopher Matthew Cook, the film first premiered at Cannes Film Festival and will make its North American premiere at the 2016 Toronto Film Festival next month.
The film tells the story of three ex-cons who mess up a kidnapping. They lose a big payoff, but also find themselves on the wrong side of the mob and become the city’s most wanted fugitives.
“The legendary Paul Schrader once again uses his relentless talent and vision to create amazing cinema,” said Mark Ward, RLJE’s chief acquisitions officer. “Shot with a distinct point-of-view, Cage and Dafoe bring their absolute best to showcase the rawness and grittiness of this incredible film.”
“Dog Eat Dog” is looking at a release in theaters and On Demand in November 2016. The film is produced by Mark Earl Burman, Gary Hamilton, Brian Beckmann and David Hillary, and is executive produced by Jeremy Rosen, Jeff Caperton, Barney Burman, Ray Mansfield, Shaun Redick, Donald Rivers, Michael McClung and Tim Peternel.
The deal was negotiated by Ward on behalf of RLJ Entertainment and Burman of ADME on behalf of the filmmakers.