Sony Pictures Classics Brings North America & China to Olivia Colman-Jessie Buckley Pic ‘Wicked Little Letters’

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the rights to the mystery comedy in North America and China Bad lowercase letters from Studiocanal, for a theatrical release in 2024.

Directed by Thea Sharrock (me for you) based on a screenplay by Jonny Sweet (greed). Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley star in the historical comedy, which had its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival.

The cast also includes Anjana Vasan, Timothy Spall, Hugh Skinner, Malachi Kirby, Gemma Jones, Lolly Adefope), Eileen Atkins and Alisha Weir.

The deal was made between SPC and Studiocanal, which co-financed the film with Film4. Sony Pictures’ Stage 6 Films previously acquired additional international rights.

The film was produced by Blueprint Pictures (Emma, Three billboards outside Ebbing, Missouri) alongside South of The River Pictures and Jo Wallett.

The executive producers are Anna Marsh, Ron Halpern and Joe Naftalin for Studiocanal and Daniel Battsek, Ollie Madden and Farhana Bhula for Film4. In addition to writing the screenplay, Sweet produced the film with Simon Bird for Person Pictures.

The film takes place on a 1920s English coast and is inspired by a true story. It revolves around two neighbors: the very conservative local Edith Swan (Colman) and the loud Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Buckley).

When Edith and her roommates receive malicious letters full of unintentionally hilarious obscenities, the foul-mouthed Rose is accused of the crime. The anonymous letters cause an uproar across the country and a trial follows, but investigations show that Rose is not to blame.

“Bad lowercase letters not only showcases great actors at the peak of their comedic form, but also provides the kind of entertaining, rich entertainment that audiences crave now more than ever,” said SPC.

The acquisition reunites SPC with actors Colman and Spall, who have both appeared in films previously released by the distributor, including The father for Colman and Mr. Turner for Spall.

Chloe Marquet, head of international sales at Studiocanal, said of the deal: “We are delighted to be working with SPC. wrong lowercase letters, and closely followed the fantastic reception at TIFF. We know SPC is the ideal partner to bring this very special film to audiences in North America next year.”