IFC Films is acquiring North American rights to The Lost King ahead of its world premiere at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival. The Lost King reunites the Oscar nominated and BAFTA winning creative team behind box office and critical hit, Philomena–director Stephen Frears and writers Steve Coogan and Jeff Pope. The film stars Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winning actress Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water) in the lead role of Philippa Langley, alongside Coogan (Philomena, The Trip Series) in the role of Philippa’s husband, John Langley. The film is produced by Coogan with Christine Langan (The Queen) and Dan Winch (A Very English Scandal) and is a Baby Cow production for Pathé, BBC Film, Ingenious Media and Screen Scotland. Executive producers are Cameron McCracken and Jenny Borgars for Pathé; Rose Garnett for BBC Film; Andrea Scarso for Ingenious; Jeff Pope and Philippa Langley. The film was co-produced by Wendy Griffin.
The Lost King tells the remarkable true story of amateur historian Philippa Langley played by Hawkins, who was behind the real life discovery of King Richard III in 2012 after the remains had been lost for 500 years. Langley spent years researching and searching for the remains, in spite of skepticism from friends, family and academics. The film is the life-affirming true story of a woman who refused to be ignored and who took on the country’s most eminent historians, forcing them to think again about one of the most controversial kings in England’s history.
Of the acquisition, director Frears said, “I’m delighted that The Lost King has found a home in North America with IFC Films. It was hugely enjoyable to work again with Steve and Jeff and we were blessed with an incredible performance from Sally. Toronto is always special and now we have IFC at our side”.
Arianna Bocco, president of IFC Films said, “We are delighted to collaborate with the exceptional creative team behind The Lost King. Stephen, Steve and Jeff and our friends at Pathe have brought the astounding story of Philippa Langley to life and Sally Hawkins has added another brilliant performance to her resume.”
The deal for the film was negotiated by IFC Films’ head of acquisitions and production Scott Shooman with Cameron McCracken, managing director, Pathe UK, on behalf of the filmmakers.
