Nate Parker and David Oyelowo’s Long-Awaited Thriller ‘Newborn’ Set to Release with First Look Image Shared

Nate Parker and David Oyelowo’s Thriller ‘Newborn’ Set for Domestic Release

Nate Parker and David Oyelowo’s long-anticipated thriller, Newborn, is finally scheduled for a domestic release. The film, which Parker wrote, directed, and produced, will debut theatrically on April 10, exclusively with AMC Theatres. The partnership marks a collaboration through their joint production and distribution label, Mansa Studios.

Newborn is a dystopian psychological thriller that follows Chris Newborn, played by Oyelowo. After enduring seven years in solitary confinement, he attempts to rebuild his life and reconnect with his family, only to discover that freedom has transformed into a frightening psychological battleground.

Joining Parker and Oyelowo in the cast are Olivia Washington (Breaking), Barry Pepper (Saving Private Ryan), and Jimmie Fails (The Last Black Man in San Francisco). Producers include Aaron L. Gilbert and Christina Lee Storm, in addition to Parker and Oyelowo through his Yoruba Saxon banner.

Originally titled Solitary, the film began production in 2020 but faced delays and became an "unreleased mystery." Reasons for the film’s silence were not immediately clear, but financial challenges from its investor, Bron, which declared bankruptcy in 2023, likely impacted its journey to theaters. The film also navigated obstacles related to the COVID-19 pandemic and difficulties inherent in indie film distribution.

In a statement, Oyelowo emphasized AMC’s understanding of their distribution goals, noting that the partnership aligns with their vision of a direct-to-consumer experience. “When it came to our distribution goals, AMC truly understood the empowering direct-to-consumer nature of the partnership we were seeking for our film while embracing the non-algorithmic yet immersive experience we wanted the audience to have,” he said.

Parker expressed that it was crucial for audiences to experience this emotionally charged thriller together. “It was essential to us that audiences experience this emotionally charged, edge-of-your-seat thriller together—on the biggest possible stage, and AMC provides both scale and a dedicated audience.”

Nikkole Denson-Randolph, Chief Content Officer at AMC Theatres, remarked on the significance of the film, stating, “Newborn is the kind of bold, provocative, and original storytelling that comes alive on the big screen. We’re proud to be the exclusive exhibitor supporting a release model that prioritizes theatrical.”

Mansa Studios has reportedly secured $12 million in seed funding led by MaC Venture Capital, with participation from other investors, including WndrCo and Galaxy Investment Partners.

Parker, known for directing Birth of a Nation, faced challenges in his career following allegations made against him in 2016 related to events from 1999. He was acquitted, and the conviction of his co-writer was overturned. Despite the controversies, Oyelowo has spoken in support of Parker, emphasizing his belief in redemption. “He is a good person beyond his fallibility,” Oyelowo stated in 2020.

Since Birth of a Nation, Parker’s work has included American Skin and the television drama Baselines. Oyelowo, a Golden Globe, Emmy, and BAFTA nominee, has appeared in films such as Selma and The Butler, and is currently featured in the Paramount+ series Lawmen: Bass Reeves.

David Oyelowo in Newborn, credit: courtesy producers.