Bleecker Street has acquired the U.S. rights to “Megan Leavey,” a true story about a marine corporal in the K9 unit, played by Kate Mara, whose bond with her combat dog, Rex, helped save numerous lives during her deployment in Iraq.
Blackfish’s Gabriela Cowperthwaite directed the film, which features Edie Falco, Ramon Rodriguez, Bradley Whitford, and Common in addition to the “House of Cards” star. Pamela Gray and Annie Mumolo & Tim Lovestedt wrote the script, with Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon and Jennifer Monroe producing.
Bleecker Street acquired the rights from LD Entertainment, and the film is slated for a June 9 release.
“Megan Leavey’s devotion to our country and to her K9 partner, Rex, are a testament to the strength of our military and the indomitable spirit and honor of our troops,” Bleecker Street CEO Andrew Karpen said in a statement. “Her story truly exemplifies the kind of heroism and bravery that will touch each and everyone of us as filmgoers.’
“When I first met Megan Leavey five years ago, I was stunned by her courage and dedication to serving our country,” LD Entertainment President Mickey Liddell said in the statement. “Her emotional connection with Rex told a heroic story that I hadn’t seen yet on the big screen and I knew I needed to share her compelling journey. We are excited to reteam with Bleecker Street on another passion project about real life heroes.”
Kent Sanderson of Bleecker Street with Avy Eschenasy on behalf of Bleecker Street negotiated the deal with attorney Eric Thompson and UTA Independent Film Group representing the filmmakers.