Opioid Action-Thriller ‘King Ivory’ Lands U.S. Theatrical Release With Saban and Roadside Attractions as Universal Takes International (EXCLUSIVE)

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The action-packed movie “King Ivory,” debuted at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, will soon hit American theaters.

Saban Films has purchased the rights to screen this film, penned and directed by John Swab (“Ida Red,” “Candy Land”), featuring Ben Foster and Melissa Leo, across North America. They’ve partnered with Roadside Attractions for a nationwide cinema release towards the end of 2025. Universal Pictures will take care of distribution in all other regions.

Featuring James Badge Dale (“The Departed”), Michael Mando (“Better Call Saul”), Rory Cochrane (“Black Mass”), Ritchie Coster (“The Dark Knight”), George Carroll (“The Town”), Sam Quartin (“Candy Land”), newcomer Jasper Jones, and Oscar nominee Graham Greene (“Dances with Wolves”), “King Ivory” is an in-depth exploration of the fentanyl crisis. This exploration is based on thorough research conducted with law enforcement, gangs, prisoners, migrants, and addicts.

The film was produced by Jeremy Rosen for his Oklahoma-based Roxwell Films.

Amidst the surge of fentanyl in the market, during the opioid crisis, the story unfolds with Tulsa police officer Layne West (Dale), whose son Jack (Jones) falls prey to addiction. Joining forces with his partner Ty (Carroll) and FBI associate Beatty (Cochrane), West embarks on a relentless pursuit to bring to justice those involved, including Ramón Garza (Mando), the Mexican cartel’s local boss, Holt Lightfeather (Greene), the Indian Brotherhood War Chief, the Irish Mob family led by George “Smiley” Greene (Foster) and his mother Ginger (Leo), and his uncle Mickey (Coster). Holt enlightens West: “The cartels seek your children, the future generation, who yearn for novelty, and fentanyl is the latest craze.

Rosen stated, ‘We’re thankful to Saban for ensuring a broad cinema launch of our cherished ‘King Ivory.’ This film not only amuses but also offers an intimate perspective on the devastating impact of fentanyl, delivered brilliantly by a talented cast ensemble.’

Jonathan Saba, co-president of Saban Films, expressed great anticipation as this is their second project with John and Jeremy. He stated, ‘John possesses a unique ability to create intense, authentic narratives, and ‘King Ivory’ embodies the best of his skills.’ The movie is action-packed and unyielding, with performances so powerful they are both thrilling and deeply relatable.

Roadside Attractions co-presidents Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff expressed their enthusiasm about releasing John Swab’s latest film in cinemas. They described it as a captivating, dynamic, and strikingly relevant modern-day thriller that delves into the world of international drug cartels.

King Ivory” signifies their eighth joint venture by Swab and Rosen, currently managed by Creative Artists Agency (CAA). They have a number of additional projects underway as well.

As a dedicated cinephile, I took on the challenge of securing the rights for “King Ivory” – a project close to my heart – from WME Independent, acting on behalf of the visionary filmmakers.

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2025-03-27 18:51