Bleecker Street Acquires Rachel Zegler Thriller ‘NDA’

Bleecker Street acquired the U.S. distribution rights to the psychological thriller ‘NDA’ this week. The film stars Rachel Zegler, Penn Badgley, and Amy Ryan. This project marks the feature directorial debut of Audrey Ellis Fox, known for her work on Nike and Gatorade commercials. Fox also penned the original script, which was recognized on the 2024 Black List and selected for the 2023 Women in Film X Black List program. The acquisition details were announced by Bleecker Street, though specific financial terms were not disclosed. The film's production companies include 2AM, which previously produced ‘The Kill Room’ and ‘The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.’ The screenplay's inclusion on the Black List indicates its potential for critical acclaim and audience engagement within the thriller genre. The Black List is an annual survey of the most liked unproduced screenplays in Hollywood, compiled from the results of a survey distributed to over 250 film executives. The Women in Film X Black List program aims to support and elevate female screenwriters. The acquisition by Bleecker Street suggests confidence in the film's marketability and artistic merit, positioning it for a potential theatrical release in the near future. The film's narrative is described as a psychological thriller, a genre that often appeals to a broad audience seeking suspense and complex character dynamics. The involvement of established actors like Zegler, Badgley, and Ryan further enhances the film's appeal. Zegler gained prominence with her role in Steven Spielberg's ‘West Side Story,’ while Badgley is known for his role in the Netflix series ‘You.’ Ryan has a career spanning numerous acclaimed films and television shows. The production team's experience in the industry, coupled with the script's accolades, points to a potentially strong debut for director Audrey Ellis Fox.