Shudder has acquired the rights to “The Rule of Jenny Pen,” a thriller about a stroke-ridden judge trying to stop an elderly psychopath that stars Oscar-nominee John Lithgow and Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush. The film was directed by James Ashcroft, who co-wrote the screenplay with Eli Kent.
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The deal covers distribution in North America, the U.K. and Ireland. Shudder is owned by AMC Networks and is a streaming service focused on horror, thriller and supernatural movies and shows. “The Rule of Jenny Pen” will have its world premiere at Fantastic Fest 2024 later this month, and will debut on the streamer in 2025.
Ashcroft made his feature debut with “Coming Home in the Dark,” which world premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Lithgow has appeared in such films as “Terms of Endearment,” “Cliffhanger” and “The World According to Garp.” On TV, he won Emmys for his work on “Dexter,” “Third Rock From the Sun” and “The Crown.” Rush won an Oscar for his performance in “Shine,” and also starred in “Quills” and “The King’s Speech.”
The film follows arrogant Judge Stefan Mortensen (Rush), who suffers a near-fatal stroke, leaving him partially paralyzed and confined to a retirement home. There, Mortensen clashes with a seemingly gentle resident named Dave Crealy (Lithgow) who is actually secretly terrorizing the home with a sadistic game called “The Rule of Jenny Pen” while wielding his dementia doll as an instrument of cruelty. When Mortensen’s pleas to the staff go unanswered, he takes it upon himself to put an end to Crealy’s reign of terror.
“Working with two of my acting heroes, Geoffrey Rush and John Lithgow, was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Partnering with Shudder and opening Fantastic Fest 2024 is just the stick of cinematic dynamite with which I wanted to launch this film into the world. It’s humbling to be part of a festival whose legacy of premieres include ‘There Will Be Blood,’ ‘Antichrist’ and ‘Smile,’ and I cannot wait to share the incredible work of our cast and crew with their audiences,” said Ashcroft. “Shudder has always been groundbreaking in genre cinema, passionately committed to the vision of the filmmaker; I can think of no better home for ‘The Rule of Jenny Pen.'”
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SVP of Acquisitions and Production for Shudder Emily Gotto commented, “We have been fans of James Ashcroft since his chilling debut ‘Coming Home in the Dark’ premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, showcasing his undeniable talent. His sharp eye for deeply observed characters and tragic circumstances explores the darkest corners of humanity with visceral thrills, and coupled with unforgettable performances from John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush, ‘The Rule of Jenny Pen’ is a film that will linger with you long after viewing.”
“The Rule of Jenny Pen” is produced by Catherine Fitzgerald and Orlando Stewart, and executive produced by Ashcroft, Kent, Lithgow, Rush, and Shudder’s Emily Gotto, Nicholas Lazo and Samuel Zimmerman.
The deal was negotiated by Gotto on behalf of Shudder and Nick Ogiony for CAA on behalf of the filmmakers. Ashcroft is repped by CAA and Grandview.
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