Clockwork, the dedicated division at Warner Bros. led by ex-Neon executive Christian Parkes, has yet to unveil its first film but has successfully dominated the press release headlines. First, it revealed at CinemaCon that it would be distributing Sean Baker’s upcoming film, followed by an announcement regarding the repertory re-release of Ken Russell’s provocative “The Devils”, screening in Cannes Classics. Now, it has set its sights on securing the most illustrious project at the Marche du Film.
Clockwork is currently in exclusive negotiations for the North American distribution rights to “The Brigands of Rattlecreek,” the next project from director Park Chan-wook. Park is the jury president at Cannes this year, but that hasn’t stopped him from striking a notable deal for his own film. According to Deadline, the deal for this title landed in the mid-teens.
“Brigands of Rattlecreek” boasts some of the most significant star power and prestige of any film showcased at the Cannes Market. This Western features Matthew McConaughey, Austin Butler, Pedro Pascal, and Chinese star Tang Wei, who appeared in Park’s “Decision to Leave.” Here’s the logline that accompanied the film at the market:
Set in the lawless frontier of the late 19th century, a small-town sheriff and a mysterious stranger form a tenuous alliance to pursue a brutal gang responsible for a robbery and massacre, leading to a perilous clash with a Native American tribe and a descent into their own madness.
The film’s screenplay is crafted by Craig Zahler (“Bone Tomahawk”), with revisions by Park, who is also producing alongside Brad Fischer (“Zodiac”). Jisun Back for Moho Film, Mike Medavoy, and Georgia Kacandes serve as executive producers. Clockwork intends to release the film theatrically. Sales rights were co-represented by WME Independent and CAA Media Finance.
Neon, of course, distributed Park’s previous film “No Other Choice,” making this reunion similar to Baker’s upcoming film “Ti Amo!.” That movie grossed $40 million globally but did not earn an Oscar nomination, so it will be intriguing to see how Park performs with a significant studio marketing push. “Brigands” will also mark his first English-language film since 2013’s “Stoker.”
The plans for this film, along with others on Clockwork’s agenda, are influenced by Warner Bros.’ position under the Paramount Skydance banner, but it’s evident that the decision-makers are intent on curating a captivating and noteworthy slate. In the interim, the re-release of “The Devils” is set for a special one-week theatrical engagement this October.
