Picture this: a high-stakes world of billion-dollar deals clashing head-on with one man's soul-searching quest for purpose. That's the thrilling premise of 'Bull Run,' the new film starring rising star Tom Blyth, and it's set to captivate audiences when it hits theaters and streaming platforms in November. But here's where it gets intriguing – does this comedy truly dissect the ruthless side of finance, or is it just another Hollywood wink at a system that's notoriously hard to pin down? Stick around, because this exclusive scoop reveals all the juicy details you need to know.
Tom Blyth, fresh off his mesmerizing performance as the cunning Coriolanus Snow in 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,' is branching out even further with this upcoming project. Vertical Entertainment has secured the rights to distribute 'Bull Run' in the United States, bringing this edgy tale to select cinemas and on-demand video services (that's VOD for short, a convenient way to watch movies at home without waiting for traditional releases) starting November 14. This marks an exclusive announcement from The Hollywood Reporter, and it's got everyone in the industry buzzing.
Joining Blyth in this existential comedy – think a mix of witty humor and deep philosophical musings about life's bigger questions – are seasoned actors like Chris Diamantopoulos, known for his hilarious role in 'Silicon Valley,' and Jay Mohr, who charmed viewers in 'Jerry Maguire.' The story follows Bobby Sanders, portrayed by Blyth, a ex-professional hockey player who dives into the cutthroat realm of junior investment banking. As he juggles spreadsheets and stock trades, Bobby grapples with finding true meaning in his chaotic life, all while navigating the adrenaline-fueled chaos of Wall Street. For a sneak peek, check out the exclusive image above and the poster below – they capture the film's quirky vibe perfectly.
The ensemble cast is a powerhouse, featuring talents such as Zach Villa from 'American Horror Story,' Jordyn Denning of 'Pam & Tommy,' Ashwin Gore from 'Shameless,' Helena Mattson of 'Seven Psychopaths,' Trevor Gretzky from 'Loudermilk,' Troy Garity of 'Ballers,' Sam Daly from 'The Office,' and Alyshia Ochse from 'True Detective.' It's a diverse group that adds layers of humor and heart to the story.
Directing this feature debut is Alfredo Barrios Jr., who brings experience from hit TV shows like 'Magnum P.I.' and 'Shelter.' He adapted the screenplay from Bill Keenan's memoir, 'Discussion Materials: Tales of a Rookie Wall Street Investment Banker,' which draws on Keenan's real-life adventures in finance. Keenan not only penned the script but also steps into the producer role, teaming up with Doug Ellin (the creator behind 'Entourage'), Karen Baldwin, Howard Baldwin, Andrew Sugerman, and Bill Immerman to bring this vision to life.
Blyth's star is on the rise – he's not just conquering films but also leading the Netflix series 'Billy the Kid.' Soon, he'll star in the romantic comedy 'People We Meet on Vacation,' based on Emily Henry's bestselling novel, where he teams up with Emily Bader for a feel-good story of reconnecting with an old flame.
In a fun statement, Keenan quips, 'Wall Street handed me an existential crisis,' hinting at the personal turmoil he faced. 'But creating 'Bull Run' rewarded me with endless craft services and a producer credit. Maybe I should've jumped into filmmaking sooner!' Director Barrios adds his excitement: 'I'm thrilled for viewers to discover our delightful, humorous, and eccentric film. Tom Blyth and our incredible cast are full of surprises. If audiences enjoy even half the joy we had filming it, they're in for an unforgettable experience.'
Tony Piantedosi, Vertical's senior vice president of acquisitions, praises the project: 'Alfredo has delivered a movie that's both an exhilarating journey and a sharp takedown of high finance, boosted by a clever script where Tom skillfully breaks the fourth wall – that's when an actor speaks directly to the audience, adding a layer of meta-humor that's easy to miss but adds real punch. We're eager to share this with North American viewers.'
And this is the part most people miss: While 'Bull Run' promises laughs and lighthearted fun, it subtly questions whether Wall Street's culture can ever be reformed or if it's doomed to chew up dreamers like Bobby. Is this just poking fun at the elite, or a serious call to action? Do you think Wall Street comedies like this one can inspire real change, or do they simply entertain without challenging the status quo? Share your thoughts in the comments – do you agree with Keenan's take on finance, or is there a counterpoint we haven't considered? We'd love to hear your take on how Hollywood portrays big business!
