Mads Mikkelsen Death Row Drama ‘Last Meals’ Lands Key Territory Sales for HanWay (EXCLUSIVE)

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The drama titled “Last Meals,” featuring Mads Mikkelsen and Boyd Holbrook, penned by the award-winning director Ramin Bahrani (“The White Tiger”), has sparked curiosity among international film purchasers.

I’m thrilled to share that a screenplay I admire, penned by Justin Piasecki, the talented mind behind “Relay,” and winner of the AMPAS Nicholl Award, has been picked up globally by HanWay Films! This cinematic gem was unveiled at the prestigious Cannes market. As a film enthusiast, I can’t wait to see this project come alive on the big screen.

Sales completed at Cannes were made to various regions: Japan with Synca Creations, Benelux with Paradiso Filmed Entertainment, Australia with Transmission Films, Spain with Vertigo Films, Ukraine with Active Cinema Group, Singapore with Shaw Renters, Greece with The Film Group, and the Baltics with Acme Film. Forum Film Ltd acquired several territories such as Israel, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Airline rights were obtained by Skeye Inflight Entertainment.

I’m thrilled to announce that Sentient Entertainment has secured partnerships with Square One in Germany and Austria, as well as Scanbox in Scandinavia. These collaborations will undoubtedly expand our reach and enhance the entertainment experience for audiences across these regions.

HanWay Films kicked off global distribution at Cannes, while UTA Independent Film Group and Sentient Entertainment are responsible for managing the sale within North America.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating a captivating prison drama, scheduled to commence principal filming in Ireland by the end of this year. This gripping tale delves into profound themes such as guilt, capital punishment, and redemption, all presented through the refined prism of exceptional cuisine, particularly the world-renowned Ortolan Bustard dish.

In “Last Meals,” Oscar-winning actor Mads Mikkelsen (“Another Round,” “Casino Royale,” “The Hunt”) portrays Walter Karat, a once esteemed White House chef who now serves time in a maximum security prison by cooking for death row inmates. Boyd Holbrook (“A Complete Unknown,” “Logan,” “The Bikeriders”) takes on the role of Jeffrey Reed, a condemned prisoner who refuses his meals, driving Walter to distraction. Their mutual irritation escalates until Walter challenges Reed, leading to an unexpected emotional bond. As their relationship deepens, Walter becomes convinced of Reed’s innocence and sets out to uncover the truth.

Renée Tab, who’s been nominated for both Emmys and Golden Globes (notable roles in “Sound of Freedom,” “Cosmopolis,” and “Maps to the Stars”), will take charge of the film production for Sentient Entertainment. Additionally, Christopher Tuffin (“Alphas,” “Freelance”) from Strong Island will also contribute to the production process.

The Executive Producers for this project are Charles Porter from Black Bench Productions, Kelly Price from Blessed From Above, Karan Hoss of Hoss Productions, as well as Jeeny and Michael Miller from Miller Way. Additionally, Mickkelsen, Bahrani, Piasecki and Holbrook will also take on the role of Executive Producers. Sentient has teamed up with Todd Slater and Brandon Evans, representing Brick Lane, who will serve as the production service company in Ireland. Ari Novak will be overseeing the production, and principal photography is set to begin in the fall, specifically in Dublin.

I, as the CEO of HanWay Films, am excited to share that Ramin and Mads have uniquely shaped this story, which has sparked great confidence in the market. This positive response has resulted in an outstanding network of distribution partners for our film.

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2025-05-29 19:17