After conquering "The Hunger Games," Josh Hutcherson is set to star in the dark psychological thriller "Ape" for Atomic Owl Pictures and JetLag Productions.
Miguel Sapochnik ("Repo Men") will direct the film from a script by newcomer Jon Johnstone.
Bree Herzog is producing for Atomic Owl along with JetLag's Hutcherson, Michelle Fightmaster and Ric Beddingfield. ICM Partners will handle worldwide rights.
"Ape" is a dramatic tale of a young man’s struggle with mental illness, love and a deep-rooted family secret.
“We strongly believe in the global appeal of this project and we’re excited to work with Bree Herzog and team” said Hutcherson. “‘Ape’ is a passion project for us and to see it get made would truly be a dream come true.”
"Josh is a tremendously talented and versatile actor who has already had an exciting career with roles spanning from blockbuster franchises such as ‘The Hunger Games’ to award-winning independent films like ‘The Kids Are All Right.' We couldn't be happier to be collaborating with Josh and JetLag Productions on ‘Ape,’" said Herzog, whose Atomic Owl banner is also developing Pamela Ribon's script "Thank You For Being a Friend."
Hutcherson is currently in Panama filming the Pablo Escobar drug drama "Paradise Lost" with Benicio Del Toro. He'll soon be seen reprising his role as Peeta Mellark in "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire," which is screening footage at Cannes.
Hutcherson is represented by ICM Partners, manager Ric Beddingfield and attorney Adam Kaller. Sapochnik is repped by WME, Casarotto Ramsay and attorney Warren Dern. Johnstone is repped by Paradigm and Principal Entertainment LA. Herzog is repped by attorney Ryan Nord.
