A24 has acquired the North American rights to “The Stars at Noon” ahead of the European Film Market, the latest film from French auteur Claire Denis that will star Robert Pattinson and Margaret Qualley, an individual with knowledge of the deal told TheWrap.
The film was acquired ahead of the EFM, which kicks off later this week. “The Stars at Noon” is a romance set during the 1984 Nicaraguan Revolution and follows a mysterious English businessman and an American journalist who strike up a passionate love affair. But as they try to escape the country, they soon become embroiled in a web of conspiracy and lies with only themselves to rely on.
Denis will direct the film and will write the screenplay with Lea Mysius and Andrew Litvack, adapting the 1986 novel by Denis Johnson of the same name.
A24 will give the film a theatrical release, and the Paris-based production company Curiosa Films will hope to begin shooting later this year.
Denis’ last film, the sci-fi “High Life,” starred Pattinson, who is next gearing up for Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” and will be seen in Christopher Nolan’s “Tenet.” Qualley broke out last year thanks to her role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood” and her role in “Fosse/Verdon.”
CAA Media Finance brokered the domestic deal for the film.
Deadline first reported the news of the sale.