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Black Bear Secures Distribution Rights for 'Atmosphere' Movie
Confirmed
In Short: Black Bear has secured global distribution rights for the live-action adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel 'Atmosphere,' produced by Laika, in a competitive bidding situation.
Black Bear has secured global distribution rights for the live-action adaptation of Taylor Jenkins Reid's novel 'Atmosphere,' produced by Laika, in a competitive bidding situation.
The film, directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, will be released domestically and internationally by Black Bear, which will also co-finance the project alongside Laika.
Katie Anderson, Black Bear's EVP of Acquisitions, praised the film as 'an emotionally resonant theatrical experience from visionary filmmakers, anchored by unforgettable characters and breathtaking scale.
Laika, known for its stop-motion animation films like 'Coraline,' is making its first foray into live-action with 'Atmosphere,' which joins Black Bear's slate of up to 12 annual releases.
The novel 'Atmosphere' has sold over 24 million copies worldwide and has inspired numerous film and television adaptations.
Laika's Matt Levin, President of Live Action Films and Series, highlighted the shared ambition to create a cinematic event that 'truly demands to be experienced as a major cinematic event.
Producers include Travis Knight, Matt Levin, Jeremy Kipp Walker, Boden & Fleck, Jenkins Reid, and Brad Mendelsohn of Circle M+P, with Maryse Knight and Zac Locke as executive producers.
Black Bear's recent releases include 'The Rivals of Amziah King' starring Matthew McConaughey and 'Wicker,' featuring Olivia Colman, set for release on October 23.
Laika's next animated film, 'Wildwood,' is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026.
This acquisition marks a significant step for both Black Bear and Laika, as they collaborate to bring a major live-action film to audiences globally.
Background
An atmosphere is a layer of gases that envelop an astronomical object, held in place by the gravity of the object. The name originates from Ancient Greek ἀτμός (atmós) 'vapour, steam' and σφαῖρα (sphaîra) 'sphere'.
What's confirmed
- “ Atmosphere is exactly the kind of bold, ambitious event film Black Bear is passionate about bringing to audiences — an emotionally resonant theatrical experience from visionary filmmakers, anchored by unforgettable characters and breathtaking scale,” said Black Bear’s EVP Acquisitions Katie Anderson.
- “From day one, our collaboration with Taylor, Brad, Ryan, and Anna has been anchored in a shared ambition to make a version of Atmosphere that truly demands to be experienced as a major cinematic event,” said Levin, Laika’s President of Live Action Films and Series.
- Black Bear is also co-financing the project with Laika and will serve as the pic’s international sales agent.
- Atmosphere is a Laika production in association with Circle M+P.
- Laika’s Travis Knight, Matt Levin and Jeremy Kipp Walker; Boden & Fleck; Jenkins Reid; and Brad Mendelsohn of Circle M+P are producers.
- Laika’s Maryse Knight and Zac Locke are executive producers.
- “We couldn’t ask for a better partner than the world-class team at Black Bear, who share our passion for this story and have the vision, energy and global reach to ensure it reaches audiences around the world on the grandest possible stage.” Atmosphere joins Black Bear’s growing domestic slate, which curates up to 12 releases annually.
- Laika’s latest film, Wildwood, will be released on October 23, 2026.
What's still developing
- Jenkins Reid is represented by Circle Management + Production, Park, Fine & Brower Literary Management, WME, Jill Fritzo PR and Goodman Genow Schenkman Smelkinson + Christopher, LLP.