IFC Films has acquired the U.S. rights to “The Catcher Was a Spy,” starring Paul Rudd and Sienna Miller, the distribution company announced Tuesday.
Directed by Ben Lewin and written by Robert Rodat, the film is based upon the 1995 non-fiction bestseller “The Catcher Was a Spy: The Mysterious Life of Moe Berg” by Nicholas Dawidoff.
The World War II drama also stars Jeff Daniels, Guy Pearce and Paul Giamatti and was produced by PalmStar Media’s Kevin Frakes, Animus Films’ Jim Young, Serena Films’ Tatiana Kelly and Windy Hill Pictures’ Buddy Patrick.
“The Catcher Was a Spy” is based on the true story of Major League Baseball player Moe Berg, who joined the U.S. in its wartime efforts to defeat the Nazis. But once he ascertains how close the Nazis are to building an atomic bomb, he has to make the life-or-death decision that will impact the rest of humanity.
“We are thrilled to be teaming up again with our friends at IFC to share Moe Berg’s inimitable and extraordinary true story,” Lewin said in a statement. “Their creativity and passion for bringing unique stories to discerning audiences make them the perfect partner for us.”
The film debuted at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and will hit theaters on June 22.
The deal was negotiated by Arianna Bocco, EVP of Acquisitions at IFC Films and UTA on behalf of the filmmakers.