Saoirse Ronan and Elisabeth Moss’ ‘The Seagull’ Flies to Sony Classics

Indie picks up Michael Mayer’s new adaptation of classic Chekhov play

Sony Pictures Classics has nabbed the rights to Michael Mayer’s “The Seagull,” starring four-time Oscar nominee Annette Bening, two-time nom Saoirse Ronan and Emmy winner Elisabeth Moss, the studio announced on Tuesday.

The film is an adaption of the classic 19th Century Russian play by Anton Chekhov, highlighting the unrequited desire of several characters that have fallen in love with people that want someone else.

“If I could dream up the perfect company to release my film, I would conjure Sony Classics,” said Mayer in a statement. “[Sony Pictures Classics co-Presidents] Michael Barker and Tom Bernard have released so many brilliant and varied films in the last nearly 30 years, it’s a huge honor to collaborate with them on the release of ‘The Seagull.’”

Corey Stoll, Brian Dennehy and Mare Winningham have also joined the cast. The film is being adapted by Stephen Karam and produced by Tom Hulce, Leslie Urdang, Bob Salerno, Jay Franke and David Herro.

“Tom and Michael create passionate and devoted audiences for Sony Classics films and we are thrilled that THE SEAGULL is in their excellent hands,” said Hulce and Urdang in a statement.

The deal was negotiated between Sony Pictures Classics and CAA and Endeavor Content. Hyde Park International represents the remaining world rights.

The Seagull is slated for release sometime in 2018.

Comments