EXCLUSIVE: The star is getting back into the Stephen King business after the global hit 1408. New York and LA-based Cargo Entertainment arranged financing on Cell and president of distribution Mark Lindsay will introduce what is expected to become one of the buzz titles of the AFM to international buyers. Paradigm represents US rights.

Former Dimension Films president of production and 1408 executive Richard Saperstein will produce through his Genre Company alongside colleagues Brian Witten and Shara Kay.

Cell is based on King’s bestseller about a father’s odyssey to find his wife and son in the wake of a catastrophic pulse transmitted via mobile phones.

King co-wrote the screenplay with The Last House On The Left screenwriter Adam Alleca. The producers are currently out to directors.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Stephen and John again,” said Saperstein. “Cell is an intelligent psychological thriller that delivers on both a visceral and emotional level.”

“Stephen King is a legendary storyteller and the master at this genre,” said Cargo CEO Marina Grasic. “We believe the reteaming of King with Cusack is a winning combination that audiences around the world will want to see.”

CAA represents Cusack and Paradigm represents King. Alleca is represented by WME Entertainment and Brillstein Entertainment Partners.







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