IFC Films, Sapan Studios Buy Game Show Thriller ‘The Luckiest Man in America’ Following Toronto Film Festival Debut (EXCLUSIVE)

As an avid movie enthusiast with a keen eye for captivating stories and exceptional performances, I find myself genuinely excited about “The Luckiest Man in America.” The film’s ensemble of talented actors, led by Paul Walter Hauser, promises an engaging and suspenseful narrative that unfolds against the backdrop of 1984.


IFC Films and Sapan Studio have secured the right to screen ‘The Luckiest Man in America’ across U.S. cinemas. This true-life drama revolves around a man who cracked the code of a well-known game show. The deal was struck after the movie’s debut at this month’s Toronto International Film Festival.

The movie titled “The Luckiest Man in America” boasts a star-studded cast featuring Paul Walter Hauser (“Richard Jewell”), David Strathairn (“Good Night, and Good Luck”), Shamier Anderson (“John Wick: Chapter 4”), Walton Goggins (“Justified”), Maisie Williams (“Game of Thrones”), Haley Bennett (“Cyrano”), and Johnny Knoxville (“Jackass”). This film is directed by Samir Oliveros, who collaborated with Maggie Briggs on the screenplay. IFC has scheduled a theater release for “The Luckiest Man in America” in 2025.

The movie takes place in 1984 and revolves around a jobless ice cream truck driver from Ohio (Hauser), who competes on the game show “Press Your Luck.” He hides a significant secret, as he knows a defect in the main game’s mechanics. This knowledge could potentially earn him an enormous sum of money. As his unparalleled winning streak continues, the puzzled executives behind the scenes gradually discover his true intentions. The film garnered praise from critics during its screening at Toronto, with Hauser receiving recognition for his impressive portrayal in the lead role.

Josh Sapan, head of Sapan Studio, expressed great excitement about collaborating with Scott Shooman, AMC Networks Film Group’s head, and the top-notch IFC Films team. They are all working together to share with audiences a truly American story brilliantly crafted by Samir Oliveros, featuring an outstanding performance from Paul Walter Hauser,” said Josh Sapan.

Sapan possesses an in-depth understanding of IFC Films, having served as CEO for over two decades at its parent company AMC Networks. Following his departure from AMC, he established Sapan Studios – a small film and TV production, distribution, and media investment firm. This enterprise has collaborated extensively with IFC, joining forces on various acquisitions like “The Taste of Things” and “Ghostlight.” Among IFC’s recent productions are “Late Night With the Devil” and “In a Violent Nature.

Oliveros expressed his excitement about collaborating with IFC Films and Sapan Studio for the premiere of his debut English film. In a statement, he praised their extensive and classic collection of films. He’s eager to be part of their esteemed group of renowned directors and share this distinctly American tale with cinemagoers nationwide.

Produced by Amanda Freedman and overseen by a team that includes Juan de Dios Larraín, Pablo Larraín, Andrew Hevia, Paul Walter Hauser, Ron Black, Sara McFarlane, Damiano Tucci, Tiziano Tucci, Sophia Banks, Divya Shahani, Arun Thapar, Roger Lolly, Juan Pablo Solano, and Simón Beltrán.

The agreement was worked out between Shooman, representing IFC Films, Sapan from Sapan Studio, and CAA Media Finance acting on behalf of the movie creators.

Read More

2024-09-30 18:16