Actor Zoe Kravitz is set to make her directorial debut with the thriller film Pussy Island. The global distribution rights for the film have been bagged by MGM.
The upcoming film will star Naomi Ackie and Channing Tatum. It has been written by Kravitz and E.T. Feigenbaum. According to a report by Variety, Zoe Kravitz said, “I am honoured to be partnering with an iconic studio such as MGM for this project. Their commitment to the art of storytelling is something that I truly admire and respect. Naomi Ackie is an extraordinary talent and we can’t wait to see her bring this role to life.”
According to Deadline, the film’s deal was struck in a highly competitive situation and is the first major deal of the Cannes virtual market. Dubbed as Marché du Film, the Cannes’ film market was held virtually between June 21-25 where over 2500 buyers were said to be looking at 700 film projects. Cannes still maintains that this a pre-screening event and the in-person Marché will happen between 6-15 July, alongside the Film Festival.
MGM’s Film Group chairman Michael De Luca and MGM’s Film Group president Pamela Abdy, said, “We are incredibly excited to be part of Zoe’s directorial debut. This is a timely and insightful thriller, with a biting humor that we anticipate audiences will be utterly captivated by.
The film follows Frida (Naomi Ackie), a cocktail waitress based in Los Angeles. She sets her eyes on a philanthropist and tech mogul Slater King (Channing Tatum) and she manoeuvres her way into his inner circle. She ultimately gets an invite to an intimate gathering on his private island. “Despite the epic setting, beautiful people, ever-flowing champagne, and late-night dance parties, Frida can sense that there’s more to this island than meets the eye. Something she can’t quite put her finger on. Something terrifying,” reports Variety.
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Ackie recently starred in the third season of the Netflix series Master of None. The actor also won a BAFTA TV Award in the Best Supporting Actress category for her performance in The End of the F****ing World. She will also be playing singer Whitney Houston in the film I Wanna Dance With Somebody directed by Stella Meghie.
Meanwhile, Channing Tatum will appear in the upcoming movie The Lost City of D. He will also star and co-direct Dog with Reid Carolin.
Pussy Island will be produced by Kravitz alongside Bruce Cohen Productions and Tiffany Persons. This is Important and Free Association will also co-produce the film.
The film is expected to begin production early next year.