Amazon has acquired global rights to Jillian Bell’s Brittany Runs a Marathon, which premiered to warm response at the 2019 Sundance Film Fest in a strong $14 million deal.
Paul Downs Colaizzo directed the dramedy from his own script, which sees Bell play a hard-partying millennial who tries to change the course of her life by committing to a major run.
The film premiered Monday at Park City’s Eccles Theater, and bidding began as soon as the screening was over.
In the film, Bell’s titular character grapples with self-hatred, several audience members noted.
At various points Lionsgate and Netflix were rumored to be circling the film, and Amazon at one point appeared to lose interest as the price rose.
It circled back, however, after Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke saw the film at a Tuesday screening and became convinced that the film’s deep-hearted and funny look at body image and other insecurities could resonate beyond the arthouse. Salke was directly involved in negotiations.
The streaming service has been active at this year’s festival, offering out $13 million for U.S. rights to “Late Night,” the Mindy Kalin comedy, and $14 million for most worldwide rights to “The Report,” a political thriller that already generated Oscar buzz.
A24 grabbed the Awkwafina’s wedding dramedy “The Farewell” for $6 million globally.
New Line picked up “Blinded by the Light,” a coming-of-age story set to the music of Bruce Springsteen, for $15 million.
Amazon will release “Late Night” in early summer and will debut “Brittany Runs a Marathon” in late summer.
The company plans a fall release for “The Report,” for which the company will mount an awards campaign.
Tobey Maguire, Matthew Plouffe, and Margot Hand produced the film.
The cast includes Utkarsh Ambudkar, Michaela Watkins, and Lil Rel Howery.
