Bankside Films today announced their acquisition of TUNNELS which will be directed by John Krokidas (Kill Your Darlings) and is from a screenplay written by Victoria Rose. The film is targeting a start of production in the Fall of 2022.
Cast already attached to TUNNELS include Academy Award® and BAFTA Award winner Susan Sarandon (Dead Man Walking, Thelma and Louise, Bull Durham), Jaeden Martell (Knives Out, It, Mr. Harrigan’s Phone, St. Vincent), Golden Globe Award nominee Patrick Wilson (Aquaman, The Conjuring, ‘Fargo’), Anna Faris (Overboard, 22 Jump Street, I Give It a Year) and Golden Globe Award nominee Alicia Silverstone (Book Club, Killing of a Sacred Deer, Clueless).
Five years after a traumatic event Ruby (Sarandon), the grandmother of the perpetrator and Grayson (Martell), the teenage brother of one of his victims form an unlikely friendship when paired as co-workers at the local supermarket. As their friendship grows, and inspired by Grayson’s wisdom, Ruby realises that she may still have the power to make positive change and help bring the town back together again.
The film is produced by Circle of Confusion’s Brad Mendelsohn (Daisy Jones and the Six) and Matt Smith (Maleficent, Valley Girl). Susan Sarandon will serve as Executive Producer along with Frank Frattaroli of Circle of Confusion. Stephen Kelliher and Sophie Green serve as Executive Producers for Bankside Films. Phil Hunt and Compton Ross serve as Executive Producers for Head Gear Films who are providing financing.
Bankside Films will be introducing the film to buyers during the Cannes Film Festival and will be handling foreign sales, with the US distribution rights being co-repped by CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group.
John Krokidas said: “I chose TUNNELS to direct as my second film because of its unique voice and its singular mission: to find what unites us as a people underneath all the noise that attempts to divide us. Leaving us with what we desperately need now more than ever – humor, humanism and hope.”