The Surfer Acquired by Lionsgate and Roadside

Following its six-minute standing ovation as a midnight movie selection at the Cannes Film Festival, Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions have acquired North American distribution rights to The Surfer, the psychological thriller directed by Lorcan Finnegan.

Adam Fogelson, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, and Roadside Attractions co-presidents Eric d’Arbeloff and Howard Cohen made the announcement.

The Surfer, Starring Nicolas Cage, Acquired by Lionsgate and Roadside

“Lorcan’s movie is a stunning visual experience with an incredible palette, coupled with Nicolas Cage at his absolute best,” said Lauren Bixby, SVP of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. “We could not be more proud to bring this film to theaters.”

Cohen and d’Arbeloff concurred, “We cannot wait for The Surfer to ride the theatrical wave next year. One man’s gnarly quest to introduce his son to a legendary surf spot ranks among the greatest Nicolas Cage performances.”

Julian McMahon, Nic Cassim, Miranda Tapsell, Alexander Bertrand, Justin Rosniak, Rahel Romahn, Finn Little, and Charlotte Maggi also star.

Thomas Martin wrote The Surfer, produced by Leonora Darby, James Harris, Robert Connolly, James Grandison, Brunella Cocchiglia, Nicolas Cage, and Nathan Klingher.

The executive producers are Apur Parikh, Robert Patterson, Lorcan Finnegan, Mark Lane, Michael Rothstein, Sam Hall, Ford Corbett, Mark Fasano, Ryan Winterstern, Josh Harris, Greg Friedman, Jatin Desai, and François Tétaz.

In the film, a man returns to the idyllic beach of his childhood to surf with his son. He is humiliated by a group of powerful locals and drawn into a conflict that rises with the punishing heat of summer and pushes him right to his breaking point.

The film will be released in 2025. WME Independent brokered the deal on behalf of the filmmakers. North Five Six is handling international sales.