David Michod’s thriller “The Rover,” which stars Guy Pearce and Robert Pattinson, will be released in July, while Lynn Shelton’s Sundance comedy “Laggies” will hit theaters in September, it was announced Friday by distributor A24.
“The Rover” will roll into theaters via limited release on July 18 before opening wide on July 25.
“Laggies,” which stars Keira Knightley, Chloe Moretz and Sam Rockwell, will go wide on Sept. 26.
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“The Rover” is set in a world 10 years following the collapse of the western economic system, where Australia’s mineral resources have drawn the desperados and dangerous to its shores. With society in decline, the rule of law has disintegrated and life is cheap. The film follows hardened loner Eric (Pearce), who travels the desolate towns and roads of the Australian outback. When a gang of thieves steals his car they leave behind the wounded Rey (Pattinson) in their wake. Forcing Rey to help track the gang, Eric will go to any lengths to take back the one thing that matters to him.
Michôd’s script is based on a story he conceived with his “Animal Kingdom” star Joel Edgerton. Scoot McNairy co-stars in the film, which Michod produced with Liz Watts of Porchlight Film and David Linde of Lava Bear Films.
A24 will pit “The Rover” against the Wachowski’s sci-fi epic “Jupiter Ascending,” Zach Braff’s Sundance movie “Wish I Was Here” and Disney’s “Planes” sequel on July 18, while the following week sees the opening of Brett Ratner’s “Hercules,” the Cameron Diaz comedy “Sex Tape” and Summit’s latest “Step Up” sequel.
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“Laggies” stars Knightley as a woman so resistant to growing up that she befriends a high school student, played by Moretz. Rockwell co-stars as Moretz’s single father who catches Knightley’s eye despite the fact that she’s engaged to her own high school sweetheart (Mark Webber).
A24 is betting “Laggies” will play well as counterprogramming to the other films opening on Sept. 26 — Sony’s Denzel Washington thriller “The Equalizer” and Focus’ animated movie “The Boxtrolls.”
A24’s upcoming releases are “Enemy,” “Locke” and “Under the Skin,” while future releases include Kevin Smith’s “Tusk,” J.C. Chandor’s “A Most Violent Year” and the zombie comedy “Life After Beth.”