Kate Winslet-Led WWII Drama ‘Lee’ Acquired By Roadside Attractions, Vertical
The highly acclaimed World War II drama, Lee, directed by Kate Winslet, has been acquired by Roadside Attractions and Vertical for distribution. The film, set to hit theaters on September 20th, is slated to open against Sony and Apple’s thriller Wolfs, starring Brad Pitt and George Clooney, as well as the Universal animation The Wild Robot.
Lee, written by Liz Hannah, Marion Hume, and John Collee, had its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival last year. The story begins in the late 1930s as Hitler rises to power in Germany. The protagonist, Miller, played by Kate Winslet, leaves her life and friends in France to travel to London after falling in love with art dealer Roland Penrose, portrayed by Alexander Skarsgård. As war breaks out in Europe, Miller gains a job as a photographer for British Vogue, where she is dismayed by the restrictions placed on female photographers.
Frustrated by the patriarchal rules that limit her work, Miller becomes determined to document the truth and reveal the devastating effects of Hitler’s crimes against innocent victims. With the support of her editor Audrey Withers, played by Andrea Riseborough, Miller overcomes numerous obstacles and finds her way to the frontline of World War II. She partners with Life Magazine photographer David E. Scherman, portrayed by Andy Samberg, and together they capture powerful and groundbreaking images that continue to shape our understanding of these historical events.
In addition to Winslet, the film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Josh O’Connor from The Crown and Marion Cotillard from La Vie en Rose. The producers of Lee are Kate Winslet, Kate Solomon, Troy Lum, Andrew Mason, Marie Savare, and Lauren Hantz. The film will be distributed internationally by various companies, including Sky (UK), Elevation Pictures (Canada), and Studiocanal (Australia, New Zealand, Pacific, Germany, Austria), among others.
Roadside Attractions and Vertical have expressed their excitement about partnering to release Lee, praising the film for revealing an untold story and bringing Lee Miller’s legacy to audiences around the world.
This latest acquisition follows a successful collaboration between Roadside and Vertical on previous titles such as Emily the Criminal, Benediction, and The Pod Generation, with future projects including Asphalt City and Firebrand. The deal for Lee was negotiated by Roadside Co-President Howard Cohen, alongside Partner Peter Jarowey and SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi from Vertical. The filmmakers were represented by CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group.
The release of Lee promises to captivate audiences with its compelling story, stellar cast, and stunning visuals. As viewers immerse themselves in the film, they will not only be entertained but also gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices and achievements of women during World War II.
With its September 20th release date fast approaching, Lee is poised to make a significant impact at the box office and leave a lasting impression on moviegoers worldwide.
