Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions have picked up the U.S. distribution rights to Juliet, Naked, a romantic comedy starring Rose Byrne (Bridesmaids, Damages), Ethan Hawke (Boyhood, Training Day), and Chris O’Dowd (Molly’s Game, Get Shorty). The rom com is based on Nick Hornby’s novel and was adapted for the screen by Tamara Jenkins, Jim Taylor, and Evgenia Peretz. Jesse Peretz (Nurse Jackie, Girls) directed.
Juliet, Naked made its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival and was produced by Albert Berger, Ron Yerxa, Barry Mendel, Judd Apatow, and Jeffrey Soros. Simon Horsman, Nick Hornby, Thorsten Schumacher, and Patrick Murray executive produced.
“The filmmakers and the cast are incredibly talented and give justice to the comedy and originality of Nick’s novel,” said Lionsgate President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions Jason Constantine. “We look forward to seeing audiences rock out to the film when it hits screens this year.”
“Juliet, Naked was one of the true buzz titles at Sundance this year, driven by a wonderful, romantic rock and roll sensibility and enormously winning performances by Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke and Chris O’Dowd,” stated Roadside Attractions co-founders Howard Cohen and Eric d’Arbeloff. “Jesse Peretz delivered an indie-spirited home run that’s also broadly commercial and crowd pleasing. It’s the perfect fun and heartwarming comedy for us to program on our slate this summer.”
Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions are planning a summer 2018 theatrical release.
The Plot: Juliet, Naked tells the story of Annie (Rose Byrne) who is stuck in a long-term relationship with Duncan (Chris O’Dowd) – a huge fan of obscure rock musician Tucker Crowe (Ethan Hawke). When the acoustic demo of Tucker’s hit record from 25 years ago surfaces, its release leads to a life-changing encounter with the elusive rocker himself. Based on Nick Hornby’s best-selling novel, Juliet, Naked is a comic account of life’s second chances.
