The Orchard has acquired the North American rights to “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” at Sundance Film Festival for $2 million, TheWrap has learned.
With the deal came a commitment for a theatrical release in about 100 markets.
The film is written and directed by Taika Waititi, who is also on board to direct “Thor: Ragnarok” (as TheWrap was the first to report).
“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” is about a national manhunt that ensues after a rebellious kid and his foster uncle disappear in the New Zealand bush.
The film stars Sam Neill, Rhys Darby and Julian Dennison, and it debuted in the Premieres Section on Friday night at Eccles.
The deal marks the second time Waititi and The Orchard have collaborated — the distribution company released his and Jermaine Clement’s 2015 “What We Do in the Shadows.”
“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” is produced by Carthew Neal, Leanne Saunders, Matt Noonan and Waititi, and executive produced by James Wallace and Charlie McClellan.
“We developed a really strong relationship with The Orchard on ‘What We Do In The Shadows,’” said Waititi. “They did such a great job on that release that I’m really pleased to be partnering with them again on ‘Wilderpeople.’ I’m excited the film will be getting a theatrical release in North America. It was the main thing we wanted coming into Sundance, so we’re all going home happy.”
CAA brokered the deal.