XLrator Media Smuggles The Mule into the States

Steve Barton   |  

May 16, 2014

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While it’s not exactly a horror film, per se, The Mule stars a few faces that are familiar to horror fans like ourselves and it’s about drugs being stuffed up a dude’s butt, two things that make it worthy of a mention here on Dread.

The whacky film has just been picked up for U.S. distribution, and we’ve pulled out all the details for ya today!

From the Press Release
XLrator Media has acquired U.S. distribution rights to the edgy, comedic thriller THE MULE from Entertainment One Films International’s newly launched boutique sales arm Séville International. The film, written by Leigh Whannell & Angus Sampson, recently had its world premiere to great acclaim at South by Southwest (SXSW) in March. XLrator Media will release the film in Fall 2014 on its acclaimed “MACABRE” genre label. The deal was announced today by XLrator Media CEO Barry Gordon.

THE MULE stars Hugo Weaving (The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Matrix), Angus Sampson (Mad Max: Fury Road, Insidious), Leigh Whannell (Saw, Insidious), Ewen Leslie, Geoff Morrell, Georgina Haig, Noni Hazlehurst and John Noble (The Lord of the Rings, TV’s “Fringe”) and is directed by Angus Sampson & Tony Mahony. It was produced by Angus Sampson & Jane Liscombe and executive produced by Michele Bennett (Chopper), Leigh Whannell, David Griffiths, Angus Coupland & Troy Lum (The Water Diviner, Saving Mr. Banks).

“Based on true events, THE MULE is the wildest, funniest, most suspenseful thriller I’ve seen in years,” said Barry Gordon. “It was one of the biggest surprises at SXSW and a triumph for actor-writer-director-producer Angus Sampson.”

“After the astonishing reception to THE MULE by the fine folk at SXSW, we are thrilled that all of America will soon be able to consume this unique film,” said writer/director Angus Sampson. “And it’s all thanks to the savvy crew at XLrator Media, eOne, Seville Pictures and Screen Australia for supporting independent and original films. Leigh and I can’t wait to share this incredible true story with U.S. audiences.”

It’s 1983. A naive man with lethal narcotics hidden in his stomach is detained by Australian Federal Police. Alone and afraid, ‘the Mule’ makes a desperate choice; to defy his bodily functions and withhold the evidence…literally. And by doing so becomes a ‘human time-bomb’; dragging cops, criminals and concerned family into his impossible escapade.

The deal was negotiated by Barry Gordon on behalf of XLrator Media and Anick Poirier of Séville International and Paradigm on behalf of the filmmakers.

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