Saban Films has acquired the US and Canadian rights to "American Murderer," a new thriller starring Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel and Jacki Weaver. The film is the feature debut of director and writer Matthew Gentile. Saban Films is planning an October 2022 release. “American Murderer” is based on the true story of Jason Derek Brown, a charismatic con man turned party king who funds his lavish lifestyle through a series of scams. When his funds run out and his past catches up with him, he hatches a bold plan, one that lands him on the FBI's top ten fugitives list.
Pelphrey is nominated for an Emmy for his work on "Ozark" and also appeared in "Mank." Phillippe starred in "Cruel Intentions" and "MacGruber." Menzel is the Tony Award-winning star of "Wicked" and co-starred with Adam Sandler in "Uncut Gems." Weaver has been nominated twice for an Oscar for her work on "Animal Kingdom" and "Silver Linings Playbook." Paul Schneider, Shantel VanSanten, Moises Arias and Kevin Corrigan round out the cast.
Director: Matthew Gentile
Writer: Matthew Gentile
Stars: Tom Pelphrey, Ryan Phillippe, Idina Menzel
"Jason Derek Brown has fascinated me since he was a kid, when he was obsessed with the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list," says Gentile. "Although 'American Murderer' has been carefully crafted to fit into the crime-thriller genres, at its core, this is a story about family and an examination of the dark side of the American dream. With Saban Films, we have a great partner in bringing this true crime thriller to North American audiences."
The film recently had its world premiere in competition at the Taormina Film Fest in Sicily, Italy. “American Murderer” is produced by Carissa Buffel and Kevin Matusow of The Traveling Picture Show Company, and Gia Walsh and Kara Baker of GiGi Film. Productivity Media's William G. Santor serves as executive producer along with Andrew Chang-Sang and John Hills. Executive producers Josh Bezoni, Bruce Cummings, Vince Jolivette, Steven Chester Prince. Kerlin Blaise, Lanee Blaise, with Brian Katz and Thomas Zambeck of Umbrelic Entertainment. The deal was brokered by Steve Break of Saban Films and Mimi Steinbauer of Radiant Films International and Jay Cohen of Gersh on behalf of the filmmakers. Radiant represents international distribution rights.
Saban Films has been active on the acquisition front recently, buying such films as Jason Momoa's "The Last Manhunt"; Ana Lily Amirpour's “Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon,” starring Kate Hudson and Jun Jong-Seo; Shane Dax Taylor's “Best Man,” starring Dolph Lundgren and Luke Wilson; and Brett Donowho's “The Old Way,” starring Nicolas Cage.