The Survivor: Inspiring drama starring Ben Foster lands at HBO Films

Sound the bell and put up your dukes because HBO Films has acquired the exclusive North American rights to the Harry Haft biopic The Survivor. The acquisition arrives after the film’s world premiere screening at the 2021 Toronto International Film Festival, where our own Chris Bumbray was in attendance. According to Chris, The Survivor is director Barry Levinson‘s best feature film in some time.

The Survivor is based on the incredible true story of Harry Haft, who, after being sent to Auschwitz, survives not only the unspeakable horrors of the camp but the gladiatorial boxing spectacle he is forced to perform with his fellow prisoners for the amusement of his captors. Unbeknownst to those who try to destroy him, Haft is driven by the most important reason any man has to survive, a quest to reunite with the woman he loves. After a daring escape, he makes his way to New York, where he succeeds in using his boxing skills to establish a name for himself in the hopes of finding his one true love. His indomitable spirit lands him in the ring with boxing legends like Rocky Marciano as he fights to make sense of his past and reclaim the life that was stolen from him.

The film stars Ben Foster (Leave No Trace, Hell or High Water) as Harry Haft, with Vicky Krieps (Phantom Thread), Billy Magnussen (No Time to Die), Peter Sarsgaard (Jackie), Saro Emirze (Wilsberg), Dar Zuzovsky (Hostages), Danny DeVito (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia), and John Leguizamo (Latin History for Morons) rounding out the cast.

“We are immensely proud to bring The Survivor to the HBO and HBO Max audience. Barry’s meticulous exploration of this true story of unimaginable choices, perseverance, and redemption coupled with Ben’s transformative performance will captivate viewers and stay with them long after the credits roll,” said Frances Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming.

“The Survivor is the true story of a man who confronts the ultimate moral dilemma in the face of one of the world’s greatest evils, Nazism. Harry Haft’s journey takes him from the depths of Auschwitz and into the ring with Rocky Marciano as he negotiates his new life and seeks the woman he loves. At a time when hatred based on race and belief is escalating, Harry’s story is a reminder of overcoming adversity against all odds. We were thrilled to launch the film at TIFF and the subsequent tremendous reception we received. We are delighted that the team at HBO shares our passion and we are looking forward to launching this important story with them,” said producers Matti Leshem and Aaron L. Gilbert.

Based on the book Harry Haft: Survivor of Auschwitz, Challenger of Rocky Marciano by Alan Haft, The Survivor looks to tell a gripping tale about survival, perseverance, and hope. Some critics have even referred to Foster’s performance as his “career-best,” which is certainly something to look forward to.