The Venice Film Festival has barely begun, but A24 made a big splash on opening night. Variety reports that the studio acquired US distribution rights for Luca Guadagnino‘s “Queer” ahead of its September 3 world premiere on the Lido. Guada’s latest is one of several titles at Venice that was still looking for a distributor, arguably the buzziest.
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Set in 1950s Mexico City, “Queer” stars Daniel Craig as William Lee, a middle-aged American expat who falls for young student Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey) after the ex-military kid moves close by. After Eugene catches William’s eye, the two embark on a torrid love affair, culminating with a trip to the Ecuadorian jungle to track down a legendary psychedelic substance. Based on an early William S. Burroughs novel of the same name, Guada’s latest also stars Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Andra Ursuta, Michael Borremans, Henry Zagam and a cameo by filmmaker David Lowery.
“Challengers” scribe Justin Kuritzkes adapts Burroughs’ novel for Guadagnino, their second straight collaboration. Fremantle, Fremantle North America, The Apartment‘s Lorenzo Miele share producing duties on the film, with Guadagnino also producing through his Frenesy Film Company banner. Cinecitta and Frame By Frame also produce the film, with Fremantle financing.
“We are thrilled that “Queer,” a true milestone in filmmaking and storytelling, will get its U.S. release from A24,” Fremantle’s Andrea Scrosati said in a statement. “A24 is the perfect partner for Luca Guadagnino’s beautiful and tender film, and we are all looking forward to working with their brilliant team again.”
Craig and Guadagnino had a joint statement of their own about the A24 pickup. “”Queer” is a labor of love, and we could not be more excited that our film has found a home with a studio as daring, vital, and trail-blazing as A24,” said the star and director. “It is our deep honor to finally bring Burroughs’ legendary novel to life on screen for the first time, and we feel immense gratitude and excitement to be able to present it alongside our treasured collaborators. We could not ask for better partners on this journey.”
Venice is only the first stop for “Queer” on its Fall film festival tour. After its world premiere on September 3, vying for the coveted Golden Lion, the film has its North American premiere as a special presentation at TIFF in September. Then “Queer” serves as the Spotlight Gala for the New York Film Festival on October 6. And don’t be surprised of Guada’s latest ends up a late addition at the BFI London Film Festival or elsewhere, too.
Stay tuned for an official theatrical release date for “Queer” from A24. If the film does well on the Lido, and it very well might, don’t be surprised if A24 gives it an expedited late-year release for a run at some awards this Winter.