Foreign distribution rights to “Story of Your Life,” a sci-fi tale starring Amy Adams, have sold to Sony Pictures Worldwide. And in another deal out of Cannes, A24 has picked up U.S. rights to “Room,” a thriller that will star Brie Larson.
The deal for “Story of Your Life,” directed by Denis Villeneuve (“Prisoners”), was confirmed Sunday by Sony. Earlier, Paramount acquired the rights to distribute the film in North America and China. Shooting will begin early next year on the project, which is produced by FilmNation, David Linde‘s Lava Bear Pictures and Shawn Levy‘s 21 Laps.
“Story of Your Life” is based on the short story by Ted Chiang. It will feature Adams (“American Hustle”) as an expert linguist recruited by the military to determine whether a group of aliens crash-landing on Earth come in peace or are a threat. She begins experiencing flashbacks that unlock the greater mystery about their visit. Eric Heisserer is adapting.
“Room” is an adaptation of Emma Donoghue’s novel that has Lenny Abrahamson attached to direct. A24 said Sunday it will star shooting this fall and a 2015 release is planned.
The bestseller tells the story of a five-year-old boy held captive with his mother by a man who kidnapped her when she was a teen. Ed Guiney will produce and Andrew Lowe will executive produce for Ireland’s Element Pictures, Tessa Ross, Sue Bruce Smith and Rose Garnett for Film4.
Earlier at the festival, A24 picked up U.S. rights to Atom Egoyan’s child-abduction drama “The Captive,” starring Ryan Reynolds.