Coming off the massive success of hockey world romance series “Heated Rivalry,” star Hudson Williams (“The Altruists”) has nabbed a leading role opposite Dylan O’Brien (“Send Help”) in a new dark comedy thriller, “Apparatus.”
The gestating pic is hailing from Sofia Banzhaf, which will be her feature film directorial debut from a script that was co-written by Banzhaf and Grayson Moore.
Alongside the project’s announcement, Deadline’s reporting adds a logline for it:
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“Apparatus” follows struggling young rideshare driver Tyler (Williams) as he falls under the influence of a self-styled entrepreneur, JP (O’Brien), who offers him a future in his handheld-massager business. But what appears to be a dream opportunity unravels as JP pulls Tyler into a violent downward spiral.
Williams inhabits the role of pro hockey player Shane Hollander in the Canadian-made Crave original show that has been viewed in the United States through HBO Max and has become a must-watch show given the steamy gay romance between athletes. The breakout getting meaty film roles isn’t all that surprising, as Williams’ acting career is certainly flourishing.
When it comes to his co-star, O’Brien is coming off the Sam Raimi-directed survival comedic thriller “Send Help,” so he’s not unfamiliar with the reported tone of “Apparatus.” He ended up leading 20th Century Fox‘s “Maze Runner” franchise before taking parts in projects such as “American Assassin,” “Love & Monsters,” “Deepwater Horizon,” and appeared in Jason Reitman‘s “Saturday Night” as Dan Aykroyd.
Julie Baldassi of Younger Daughter Films (“Darkest Miriam”), Daniel Bekerman from Scythia Films (“The Apprentice”), Banzhaf, Moore, and Brian Robertson are part of the film’s producing team. Also, Sam Sutcliffe and Jasmin Karibzhanova of Ursa Major Films are co-financing alongside Nicholas Chepesiuk of Gabardine, Telefilm Canada, and Mongrel Media, with WME Independent and CAA Media Finance handling the film for upcoming sales (Cannes Film Market in May?).
“Apparatus” sounds like a neat project, and we have to assume that further names will be added to the cast in the future. Stay tuned for that information when it makes itself known to us. Given Telefilm Canada’s involvement, the new movie will be shot in Canada and receive lucrative tax credits.
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