Sam Levinson’s romantic drama is understood to have netted an 8-figure price tag.
Netflix has acquired the worldwide rights to Euphoria creator Sam Levinson's Malcolm & Marie, a pandemic-era movie starring Zendaya and John David Washington.
"I am so grateful to this cast and crew, many of whom are my Euphoria family, for coming together during such uncertain times. We felt privileged to be able to make this film together and we did so with a lot of love. We are all thrilled that it has ended up with Netflix which is unparalleled in allowing filmmakers the freedom to tell their stories that reach audiences all over the world," Levinson, who also wrote and produced the film, said in a statement.
Malcolm & Marie has Levinson, the Euphoria showrunner and son of Barry Levinson, capturing Washington as a filmmaker and his girlfriend (Zendaya) returning home following a celebratory movie premiere, and expecting to celebrate success. Instead, the evening turns as revelations about their relationships begin to surface, which tests the strength of their love.
Kevin Turen and Ashley Levinson produce, while the executive producer credits are shared by Zendaya, Washington, Yariv Milchan, Michael Schaefer, Will Greenfield, Aaron L. Gilbert and Scott Mescudi.
Shooting on Malcolm & Marie took place amid the Coronavirus pandemic when production on Euphoria had shut down, and occured between June 17 and July 2 in Carmel, California. The producers worked with doctors and lawyers to ensure production followed WGA, DGA and SAG-AFTRA approvals and safety protocols.
The film was shot on 35mm in black and white. The cast and crew of Malcolm & Marie will share some of the proceeds from the lucrative Netflix deal with Feeding America, a national charity that aids food banks.
The Netflix deal for Malcolm & Marie was negotiated by Endeavor Content and CAA, and did not take place as part of the virtual market this week at the Toronto Film Festival.
At TIFF, Netflix acquired the worldwide rights to Pieces of a Woman -- which stars Shia LaBeouf and The Crown star Vanessa Kirby playing a couple shattered by the loss of their newborn baby -- on Saturday.
Kornél Mundruczó’s first English-language film earned star Kirby a best actress prize at Venice ahead of a Toronto gala screening. And on Friday, Netflix picked up Halle Berry's MMA drama and directorial debut Bruised as part of another 8-figure sales deal at the virtual Toronto market.
Article by: Etan Vlessing for the Hollywood Reporter.
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