Emile Hirsch Crime Pic ‘Degenerate’ Lands World Rights Deal -- Cannes

EXCLUSIVE: Bleiberg Entertainment has picked up worldwide rights to Degenerate, a crime pic starring Emile Hirsch (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and Rory Culkin (Signs, Scream 4).

The film’s cast is rounded out by India Eisley (Curse of Sleeping Beauty), Peter Facinelli (The Twilight Saga), David Keith (An Officer and Gentleman), and Jackie Earle Haley (Watchmen, Little Children, Friday the 13th).

The film will have its World Premiere screenings at the upcoming Cannes Marche du Film, where Bleiberg will present the pic to international distributors. The film will be released theatrically in the USA in 2024 by a distributor Bleiberg has said will be revealed during Cannes.

Directed by Luc Walpoth, the pic tells the story of Andy ( Hirsch) who has two loves in his life: His girlfriend Chloe (India Eisley) and professional poker. When he gets caught in the crossfire of a botched scheme to rob a home poker game, Andy impulsively steals back the money from the criminals and slips away undetected. The criminals, led by the ruthless schemer Jack (David Keith) and his violent sidekick (Jackie Earle Haley) track Andy down and reveal they have kidnapped Chloe and are holding her for ransom. Now in order to save her, Andy must win their money back in the most important high-stakes poker game of his life.

Walpoth has directed two other features: Peripheric Love (2023) and Baby Money (2021). The film is written by Josh Wilcox. Producers are Seth Michaels and Sara Sometti Michaels for Benacus Entertainment in association with RNF Productions.

“We’re thrilled to be representing this stylish film that features such a tremendous cast and gripping, high-tension storytelling,” said Ariel Bleiberg, Head of Acquisitions and Development at Bleiberg.

Negotiations for Benacus Entertainment and RNF Productions were handled by Tiffany Boyle and Sean Pope of Ramo Law and by Nicholas Bennett, EVP of Sales for Bleiberg Entertainment.

Michaels added: “We have a very exciting film with an amazing cast who were a delight to work with, Bleiberg representing this special project to the world in Cannes is a dream come true for all of us at Benacus Ent and RNF productions.”