The A24 produced film Native Son was just bought by HBO Films ahead of its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival Thursday. Some have said that the deal landed in the eight figures, according to Deadline. The acquisition will affect how the movie will be released to the public. A24 was originally going to present the film in theaters; however, HBO will now be showing the film through its channel later this year, according to Variety.
The film is based on Richard Wright’s 1940 novel by the same name. The film will focus on Bigger Thomas, played by Moonlight actor Ashton Sanders, who is a young African-American living in 1930s Chicago. With the necessity of having to find a job, he winds up getting one with the wealthy Dalton family. From this point forward, Bigger’s narrative spirals in a complicated fashion as he is confronted with the larger topics of race and society.
The rest of cast will include Nick Robinson, Margaret Qualley, KiKi Layne, Elizabeth Marvel, David Alan Grier, Sanaa Lathan and Bill Camp.
The film is directed by artist Rashid Johnson, who is making his debut with Native Son.
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