Nearly a week after 20th Century Studios removed New Regency’s The Bikeriders from its theatrical release schedule, Deadline brings word that the upcoming star-studded drama has finally found a new home at Focus Features.
Focus Features has acquired the global theatrical distribution rights to the Austin Butler-led movie. The outlet notes that the studio is currently planning to release The Bikeriders in theaters sometime in 2024. Prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike, the film was slated for a December 1, 2023 theatrical debut following its world premiere at the 50th Telluride Film Festival last August.
“We are delighted to add such a riveting project to next year’s strong slate of films,” Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski said in a statement. “We look forward to once again working alongside New Regency and reuniting with the multi-talented Jeff Nichols on another one of his visionary projects. This film exemplifies our commitment to collaborate with the industry’s best filmmakers and production partners, and we can’t wait to build upon its early success to draw audiences into this poignant film bolstered by powerful performances from an incredible cast.”
Who’s in The Bikeriders?
The Bikeriders stars Tom Hardy (Venom), Jodie Comer (Killing Eve), Austin Butler (Elvis), Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead), Michael Shannon (Revolutionary Road), Boyd Holbrook (Logan), Toby Wallace (The Society), Karl Glusman (The Neon Demon), Mike Faist (West Side Story), Damon Herriman (Justified), Emory Cohen (The OA), Beau Knapp (Southpaw), and Happy Anderson (Mindhunter).
“Kathy, a strong-willed member of the Vandals who’s married to a wild, reckless bikerider named Benny, recounts the Vandals’ evolution over the course of a decade, beginning as a local club of outsiders united by good times, rumbling bikes, and respect for their strong, steady leader Johnny,” the synopsis reads. “Over the years, Kathy tries her best to navigate her husband’s untamed nature and his allegiance to Johnny, with whom she feels she must compete for Benny’s attention. As life in the Vandals gets more dangerous, and the club threatens to become a more sinister gang, Kathy, Benny, and Johnny are forced to make choices about their loyalty to the club and to each other.”
Inspired by Danny Lyon’s 1967 photography book of the same name, the film is written and directed by Jeff Nichols. Executive producers are Fred Berger, Sam Hanson, David Kern, Yariv Milchan, and Michael Schaefer with Arnon Milchan, Kierke Panisnick, and Donald Sparks producing.
