Dark Castle Boards WestEnd’s Thriller ‘Zealot’ Starring Djimon Hounsou and Kodi Smit-McPhee, First Look Revealed (EXCLUSIVE)

As a movie connoisseur with a penchant for gripping thrillers and thought-provoking narratives, the upcoming film “Zealot” piques my interest. Having spent countless hours immersed in the cinematic worlds of films like “Collateral,” I am eager to see how this new production will hold up against its esteemed contemporaries. The all-star cast, led by Djimon Hounsou and Kodi Smit-McPhee, promises a captivating performance that will undoubtedly keep audiences on the edge of their seats.


Dark Castle Entertainment, known for movies like “Last Breath,” “Shell,” and “Orphan: First Kill,” has joined the team to produce and finance the upcoming nerve-wracking thriller titled “Zealot.” This film will feature the talents of Djimon Hounsou (from “A Quiet Place Part II” and “Blood Diamond”) and Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog” and “Disclaimer”).

WestEnd Films, initially unveiling the project during Cannes, has now sold several territories and continues its distribution efforts at the American Film Market (AFM). Simultaneously, they’ve shared an initial sneak peek of the movie, following the completion of filming in Canada.

Titled “Zealot,” this film is directed by Vadim Perelman, known for “House of Sand and Fog” and “Persian Lessons.” The script was penned by playwright Bennett Fisher, inspired by his acclaimed work “Damascus.” The movie delves into themes such as privilege, suspicion, and our preconceived notions about each other. It narrates the story of Hassan, a Somali-American shuttle driver in Minneapolis, who is grappling with financial difficulties. When Lloyd, a stranded young man at the airport, proposes paying Hassan for an overland trip to Chicago, it appears to be a viable solution. However, as Hassan comes to understand that his passenger is not all he seems, he finds himself in a chilling journey from which there’s no escape, realizing that his actions to save himself could potentially endanger many others.

The movie is being made by Jib Polhemus, known as “Old Guy” or from the movies “Old Guy” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” in collaboration with Norman Golightly, who has worked on “Last Breath” and “Shell.” They are producing this film under Dark Castle. Bradley Gallo and Michael Helfant of Amasia Entertainment are taking on supervising roles.

The assembling of skilled professionals, whether in front or behind the camera, for this project underscores its high-quality and relevance as a gripping and contemporary thriller,” said Golightly, co-CEO of Dark Castle Entertainment. “Similar to films like ‘Collateral’, viewers will find themselves on the edge of their seats during the movie, but they’ll also have much to ponder about on their journey home.

In the finalized transactions, WestEnd has transferred ownership of “Zealot” to The Jokers in France, Plaion in Germany and Switzerland, United King in Israel, and Front Row for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

Perelman is managed by Artist International Group, Smit-McPhee is handled by Black Bear and Felker Toczek Suddleson Abramson McGinnis Ryan, Hounsou’s representation includes Buchwald, Range Media Partners, and Nelson Davis, while Fisher is under the umbrella of source | management + production.

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2024-11-06 19:16