[Updated 10:25 p.m. with confirmation from Sony Pictures Classics.]
Sony Pictures Classics has confirmed it has acquired worldwide rights to Paul Weitz’s road trip movie “Grandma,” which stars comedy legend Lily Tomlin in performance that is already garnering awards buzz. Insiders peg the deal at roughly $2 million.
In “Grandma,” Tomlin is Elle Reid, who has just finished breaking up with her girlfriend when her granddaughter Sage unexpectedly shows up needing $600 bucks before sundown. Temporarily broke, Grandma Elle and Sage spend the day trying to get their hands on the cash as their unannounced visits to old friends and flames end up rattling skeletons and digging up secrets.
Julia Garner and Marcia Gay Harden co-star as Tomlin’s granddaughter and daughter, respectively, and the supporting cast includes Judy Greer, Laverne Cox and Sam Elliott.
Weitz wrote, directed and produced the film, which was also produced by Andrew Miano, Paris Kassidokostas-Latsis and Terry Dougas. Executive producers were Stephanie Meurer, Dan Balgoyen and Danielle Renfrew Behrens.
“Grandma” will mark the second Sundance acquisition for Sony Classics following its purchase of Marielle Heller’s “Diary of a Teenage Girl.”
WME Global and attorney Alex Kohner of Morris Yornis negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers.
The Hollywood Reporter broke the news that Sony Classics was buying the movie.