Magnolia Acquires New June Squibb Comedy ‘Thelma’

The North American rights to the new comedy Thelma, starring June Squibb and premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, have been acquired by Magnolia Pictures. Currently in the works is a wide theatrical release.

The film is directed by Josh Margolin, and the story follows Squibb’s character, a 93-year-old grandmother, who has been conned by a phone scammer (played by Fred Hechinger) that has pretended to be her grandson. The old woman goes on a dangerous journey across Los Angeles to get back what was stolen from her with the company and help of her aging friend (played by the late Richard Roundtree in what is now one of his last roles).

Along with the aforementioned cast, the film will also feature the likes of Clark Gregg, Malcolm McDowell, and Parker Posey.

The Hollywood Reporter also gives a brief review of the film, which reads as follows: “Thelma is sweet and poignant, sentimental without getting sappy. Just the fact that it gives Squibb the first leading screen role of her seven-decade career makes it a satisfying watch.”

Producing the film along with Zoë Worth and Chris Kaye of Bandwagon are also Nicholas Weinstock of Invention Studios, Karl Spoerri and Viviana Vezzani of Zurich Avenue, and Benjamin Simpson. Squibb and Hechinger serve as executive producers on the film along with Tobias Gutzwiller.