A24 Snaps Up Guadagnino's "Queer" with Daniel Craig
A24 has secured the US distribution rights to Luca Guadagnino's upcoming film "Queer," starring Daniel Craig, Deadline has learned. The film, an adaptation of William S. Burroughs' work, has been generating buzz since early footage was shown in Italy a year ago. A24 was always seen as the ideal destination for the film, given their expertise in handling provocative and edgy fare, which "Queer" undoubtedly is, with Craig pushing boundaries beyond his iconic 007 persona.
"Queer" was initially presented to distributors by CAA Media Finance in late June, with A24 swiftly emerging as a frontrunner. Despite interest from other suitors, A24 ultimately secured the deal, solidifying the film's path towards a theatrical release.
The film is set to make its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, followed by a North American debut at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and a gala screening at the New York Film Festival.
Guadagnino reunited with his "Challengers" screenwriter, Justin Kuritzkes, to bring "Queer" to life. Filming took place at Cinecitta, the legendary studio in Rome, Italy, shortly after the completion of "Challengers," which catapulted the "Call Me By Your Name" Oscar-nominated filmmaker onto the box office charts with a No. 1 opening weekend. The sexy romantic tennis drama ultimately grossed over $94 million worldwide.
"Queer" features a star-studded cast, including Drew Starkey, Academy Award nominee Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Andra Ursuta, Michael Borremans, and David Lowery.
The film's synopsis reveals a compelling narrative: set in 1950s Mexico City, "Queer" follows William Lee, a solitary American expat in his late forties, whose life is disrupted by the arrival of Eugene Allerton, a young student. Their encounter sparks a potential for meaningful connection, challenging William's secluded existence.
"Queer" was produced by Fremantle, Fremantle North America, Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment (a Fremantle Group company), and Luca Guadagnino for his Frenesy Film Company, in collaboration with Cinecitta and Frame by Frame. The Fremantle Group provided financing for the film.
