Tom Hanks Comedy ‘A Man Called Otto’ Acquired by Sony Pictures for $60 Million

The SF Studios comedy “A Man Known as Otto,” starring Tom Hanks, has been acquired by Sony Photos for $60 million.

The sale marks the most important deal to this point on the digital European Movie Market, surpassing Netflix’s $55 million acquisition of “The Pale Blue Eye” final 12 months. Directed by Marc Forster, “A Man Known as Otto” sparked a fierce bidding conflict with Sony in the end popping out on high with the movie’s worldwide rights. It is going to be launched in theaters.

Based mostly on Fredrik Backman’s bestselling novel “A Man Known as Ove,” the movie tells the story of Otto (Hanks), a grumpy and strict widower who holds the remainder of his neighborhood to his staunch guidelines. However simply as Otto is about to surrender on his life, he sparks a brand new friendship along with his neighbors, prompting him to endure a metamorphosis.

Manufacturing on the movie is ready to start this month in Pittsburgh, Penn. The forged contains Mariana Treviño, Rachel Keller and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo. Oscar-nominated author David Magee is adapting the screenplay and can function an government producer. SF Studios’ Fredrik Wikström Nicastro is producing the movie with Rita Wilson and Playtone companions Hanks and Gary Goetzman. Forster and Renée Wolfe will government produce by way of their firm 2DUX2. SF Studios is financing the movie.

“What a tremendous all-star constellation of expertise: Tom Hanks in an iconic position and an distinctive director in Mark Forster; excellent producers in Rita Wilson, Gary Goetzman and Fredrik Wikström Nicastro; beautiful screenplay from David Mcgee; a worldwide best-selling guide; and our long-time associate, SF Studios,” mentioned Tom Rothman, chairman and CEO of Sony Photos’ Movement Image Group. “Elizabeth Gabler, myself and Sony have had the privilege of working with all of those giants earlier than, however this time we really feel like we hit the lottery.”

Wikström Nicastro added: “Tom and Elizabeth’s ardour for the fabric and imaginative and prescient for the right way to create a worldwide theatrical occasion blew us all away. We couldn’t be extra excited for Otto to discover a dwelling at our associates at Sony.”

Stated Wilson, “We’re thrilled to associate with Sony, who’ve constantly proven their dedication to movie and filmmakers. On this period, which provides so some ways to be entertained, we applaud Sony’s dedication to theatrical exhibition.”

The deal was negotiated for Sony Photos by Jon Freedberg, EVP, content material technique and enterprise improvement and Joe Matukewicz, head of Sony Photos Worldwide Acquisitions’ Stage 6 Movies. CAA Media Finance, Lichter Grossman Nichols Adler Feldman & Clark, and Craig Emanuel of Paul Hastings negotiated on behalf of the filmmakers.