Deadline reports that Vertical Entertainment has picked up the North American distribution rights to No Running, a sci-fi thriller starring Skylan Brooks (The Darkest Minds) and Taryn Manning (Orange Is the New Black), with their plan being to give the film a multi-platform release in the spring of 2022. The feature directorial debut of Delmar Washington, the film tells the story of
Jaylen Brown (Skylan Brooks), a Black high school student who finds himself under suspicion after his classmate disappears during a party, with prejudice quickly beginning to boil to the surface of his small southern town. While working against the clock to clear his own name, he begins to unravel a massive web of secrets that all point to otherworldly forces at play.
Washington directed the film from a screenplay by Tucker Morgan. Brooks and Manning are joined in the cast by Rutina Wesley (True Blood), Shane West (Gotham), Clark Backo (Letterkenny), and Bill Engvall (Catching Faith).
No Running was produced Eric B. Fleischman of Defiant Studios and Maurice Fadida of Kodiak Pictures. Jan McAdoo, Sylvain Gehler, Victor Shapiro, and Raphael Swann serve as executive producers.
Vertical Entertainment’s Rich Goldberg had this to say about the acquisition:
More than just a sci-fi thriller, No Running shows how the bonds of family and friendship are tested when the inconceivable happens and there’s nowhere left to run. The emotionally charged performances by the entire cast are what originally drew us to the story and are sure to keep viewers breathless with anticipation.”
Fleischman added:
Vertical continues to be a champion for underrepresented voices, especially in the world of thrillers, and we are very excited about our re-teaming on this unique film.”
Washington said,
I hope No Running will inspire audiences to expand the dialogue over racial tensions in America and how together, we can unite over a common ground. As the director, I’m beyond grateful to be partnering with Vertical to bring this film to the masses.”
How does this movie sound to you? Let us know by leaving a comment below. A first look image from No Running can be seen right here: