Protagonist Pictures has unveiled the new drama-thriller Press Your Luck, starring Paul Walter Hauser (Black Bird, Richard Jewell, I, Tonya). The company on Thursday also unveiled a first glimpse at the project, based on the “incredible” true story of Michael Larson, an unemployed ice-cream truck driver from Ohio who steps onto the game show “Press Your Luck” harboring a secret: the key to endless amounts of money. But his winning streak gets threatened when executives in the control room start to uncover his real motivations.
The all-star ensemble cast also includes Walton Goggins (Fallout, The Righteous Gemstones, The Hateful Eight), David Strathairn (Nomadland, Good Night and Good Luck), Maisie Williams (The New Look, Game of Thrones), Haley Bennett (Swallow, The Magnificent Seven), Shamier Anderson (John Wick: Chapter 4, “Invasion”), and David Rysdahl (Fargo, Oppenheimer).
Jackass legend Johnny Knoxville, Brian Geraghty (The Hurt Locker, Chicago P.D.), Patti Harrison (Theater Camp, Together Together), and Shaunette Renée Wilson (Indiana Jones, Black Panther) make up the rest of the troupe.
Samir Oliveros directed from a screenplay co-written with Maggie Briggs (Joyland), and the film is produced by Plenty Good and co-produced by Fabula.
The first-look photo revealed for the film, which is currently in post-production, shows Hauser on the set of the game show behind a buzzer.
“Samir has crafted a unique and stylish telling of the incredible true story of a down-on-his-luck everyman gaming the system,” said Protagonist Pictures CEO Dave Bishop. “We couldn’t be happier to be working with the very talented Samir and our friends at Fabula and Plenty Good.”
Said Oliveros of the film: “I kept having this recurring dream with a white-bearded man. I couldn’t make any sense of it until I stumbled upon his face on a VHS tape I found at a thrift shop.”
He added: “That’s how I learned of Michael’s story. During our next encounter he said if we made the film in time for the 40th anniversary of his feat, he would guide us in the right direction. I’m glad we could make it happen with the support of such incredible partners.”
Protagonist Pictures is handling international sales, with CAA Media Finance representing North American rights.
Amanda Freedman, founding partner of Plenty Good, added: “We’re drawn to films that don’t behave. Whether it’s an unruly character, an unconventional structure, or an irreverent style, our movies challenge what’s expected. Michael’s bold behavior inspired us, and we hope it inspires you.”
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