Focus Features has recently acquired the U.S. rights to Edward Berger’s new thriller, Conclave, based on the best-selling novel by Robert Harris. The film boasts an impressive cast including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow. Conclave takes place in the secretive Vatican meeting of Catholic cardinals as they gather in Rome to select a new Pope. Fiennes plays Cardinal Lomeli, who is tasked with overseeing the arrival of the cardinals from across the globe. However, as the political power struggles within the Vatican escalate, Lomeli uncovers a secret kept by the departed Pope that must be revealed before a new Pope is chosen.
In addition to Fiennes, Lithgow will play Cardinal Tremblay, Tucci will play Cardinal Bellini, and Isabella Rossellini will play Sister Agnes. The film is produced by House Productions and FilmNation Entertainment, with Peter Straughan penning the script. The ensemble cast also includes Carlos Diehz, Lucian Msamati, Brían F. O’Byrne, Merab Ninidze, and Sergio Castellitto.
Peter Kujawski, chairman of Focus Features, expressed his excitement about working with Edward Berger and the production team, stating, “Edward Berger is a devilishly talented filmmaker who made our collective hearts race by showing us what happens to our better angels in those Machiavellian halls of power. We cannot wait to bring audiences to the edge of their seats with him and our friends at House Productions, Indian Paintbrush, and FilmNation.”
The film is produced by Tessa Ross, Juliette Howell, Michael A. Jackman, Robert Harris, and Alice Dawson, and was developed with the support of Access Entertainment. FilmNation Entertainment and Indian Paintbrush co-financed the film. German director Berger, known for his work on Patrick Melrose and Deutschland ’83, earned an Academy Award for his antiwar epic All Quiet on the Western Front. Berger expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work with Focus Features, stating, “To now work with Peter Kujawski and his incredibly dedicated team feels like I have arrived at a home that I‘ve always missed. I am grateful and so cannot wait to share the movie with audiences in the U.S. as well as around the world at the hands of Focus and all our distribution partners.”
The U.S. distribution deal was negotiated by CAA Media Finance, FilmNation Entertainment, and Indian Paintbrush. The exciting acquisition of Conclave by Focus Features has generated significant buzz in the entertainment industry, and fans are eagerly anticipating the film’s release.
The addition of Conclave to Focus Features’ roster is a testament to the studio’s commitment to bringing captivating and thought-provoking stories to audiences. The film’s talented cast and crew, combined with the compelling source material, position Conclave as a must-see thriller that is sure to captivate and entertain audiences worldwide. As the release date approaches, anticipation for the film’s debut continues to build, and audiences can expect to be on the edge of their seats as the mystery and intrigue of Conclave unfolds on screen.
