According to Deadline, AGC Studios’ Poolman, Chris Pine’s absurdist comical directorial debut, has been acquired by Vertical and is set for theatrical release in 2024. The film premiered at this year’s Toronto Film Festival, telling the story of Pine’s character, Darren Barrenman, a native Angeleno, who looks after the Tahitian Tiki apartment block’s pool and fights to improve his hometown. When a femme fatale asks him to uncover the truth behind a sketchy business deal, Darren and his friends take on the likes of a corrupt politician and greedy land developer, finally bringing to the surface a secret about the city Darren loves and a secret about…himself!

Poolman was written by Pine and Ian Gotler. Along with Pine, the film stars Annette Bening, Danny DeVito, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and DeWanda Wise. Pine and Gotler also serve as producers along with Stacey Sher and Patty Jenkins.

Peter Jarowey, Vertical Partner, commented on the film, stating, “Poolman is intricately penned, directed, and passionately brought to life by the multitalented Chris Pine…He assembled an extraordinary ensemble of creatives, both in front of and behind the camera, and delivered a cinematic experience that is as unique and vibrant as the city it celebrates.”

Pine also gave comments on the film: “the film was born from my own feelings of being painfully awkward as I was growing up. With Poolman, I tried to reimagine my experience with as much imagination, joy and compassion as I could: giving Darren a journey where he could be a hero because of his sensitivity not despite it.”

Sher said the following of the main character: “Darren Barrenman’s completely uncynical view of the world and his unabashed commitment to making the world a better place is something we all really want and need to see, right now.”

Jenkins praised Pine’s work on Poolman, commenting, “Chris has such a powerful and specific voice that really shines here, so it’s been a delight to watch this film come together and find its audiences…Chris was a fantastic director to work with; one of the most natural first-time directors I have ever witnessed and the depth of the messaging and subtlety in this film surprised me at every turn. I’ve watched it many, many times as we made it, and I find something new upon every viewing.”