Following a competitive bidding war against multiple studios and streamers, Sony Pictures has successfully won the worldwide distribution rights to the upcoming Tom Hanks-led comedy A Man Called Otto, which is an English remake of the 2015 Swedish dramedy A Man Called Ove. According to Deadline, the acquisition deal reportedly cost Sony around $60 million, making it the biggest sale at this year’s virtual European Film Market.
“What an amazing all-star constellation of talent: Tom Hanks in an iconic role and an exceptional director in Mark Forster; outstanding producers in Rita Wilson, Gary Goetzman and Fredrik Wikström Nicastro; exquisite screenplay from David Mcgee; a worldwide best-selling book; and our long-time partner, SF Studios,” Sony’s Chairman and CEO, Tom Rothman said in a statement. “Elizabeth Gabler, myself and Sony have had the privilege of working with all of these giants before, but this time we feel like we hit the lottery.”
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A Man Called Otto will be directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay written by Oscar nominee David Magee, based on Fredrik Backman’s Swedish novel. Joining Hanks in the titular role are Mariana Treviño (Overboard), Rachel Keller (Legion), and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo (6 Underground).
“It follow Otto (Hanks), a grumpy isolated widower with staunch principles, strict routines and a short fuse, who gives everyone in his neighborhood a hard time as he watches over it like a hawk,” reads the synopsis. “Just as it seems like he’s finally given up on life, an unlikely and reluctant friendship develops with his new neighbors. Little by little, Otto undergoes a subtle transformation…but is he really capable of change?”
Production is expected to begin this month in Pittsburgh, with the studio reportedly aiming for a Christmas theatrical release this year.
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A Man Called Otto will be produced by Hanks, Rita Wilson, and Gary Goeztman through their Playtone banner along with Fredrik Wikström Nicastro for SF Studios. Executive producers are Magee, Forster, and Renée Wolfe, with SF Studios financing the project.
The original Swedish film starred Rolf Lassgård (Downsizing) and was directed by Hannes Holm. It was a critical success which earned two Oscar nominations including Best Foreign Language Film.
