Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe’s Sundance Film ‘The Weight’ Has Been Acquired by Vertical
Vertical Acquires North American Rights to ‘The Weight’ Starring Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe
In a significant industry development, Vertical has secured the North American distribution rights to The Weight, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film features a powerful performance by five-time Oscar nominee Ethan Hawke alongside Oscar winner Russell Crowe. A theatrical release is set for September 18.
Directed by Padraic McKinley in his feature debut, the film has garnered attention for its commercial viability, currently sitting at a 94% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The plot follows Samuel, played by Hawke, who faces separation from his daughter when he is incarcerated in a tough prison. In a tense deal with Warden Clancy, portrayed by Crowe, Samuel is tasked with smuggling gold from a remote mine alongside a volatile group of inmates. As they navigate the harsh wilderness, the true peril emerges from within their ranks, complicating Samuel’s desperate quest to reunite with his child.
The screenplay was crafted by Matthew Chapman (Runaway Jury) and Shelby Gaines (Wildcat), with a story by Matthew Booi (Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan) and Leo Scherman (Trench 11). After its Sundance debut, The Weight also screened at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival.
Padraic McKinley expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The Weight is the result of a truly special collaboration between an exceptional cast, led by Ethan and Russell, and my partners at Fields Entertainment, augenschein, Under the Influence, and Construction Films. Seeing the film connect with and energize audiences at Sundance and Berlinale has been incredibly rewarding, and has only amplified my excitement to partner up with Vertical to bring this kind of big-screen, throwback experience to theaters in September.”
Peter Jarowey, Partner at Vertical, added, “Anchored by powerhouse performances from Ethan Hawke and Russell Crowe, The Weight is a smart, character-driven thriller that captures the tension and sophistication of the great 1970s classics while feeling sharp and contemporary for today’s audiences. We’re thrilled to once again work with augenschein Filmproduktion and to partner with Padraic, Simon, Ethan, Nathan, and Ryan to bring this elevated story to the big screen.”
The Weight is produced by Simon Fields, Nathan Fields, and Ryan Hawke, alongside Jonas Katzenstein and Maximilian Leo for augenschein Filmproduktion. Executive producers include Frédéric Fiore, Céline Dornier, Andreas Rübo, Klaus Dohle, Ralf Berchtold, and Peter Block, with additional contributions from co-producers Veronica Ferres and Leo Scherman. McKinley co-edited the film with Matthew Woolley (The Good Lord Bird). The production team also features director of photography Matteo Cocco (Hidden Away), costume designer Esther Walz (Other People’s Money), and production designer Cora Pratz (Islands), with music by Latham Gaines and Shelby Gaines (Wildcat).
The film’s financing was arranged by CAA Media Finance and WME Independent, who also co-brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers. McKinley is represented by Innovative Artists Entertainment.
