Lionsgate acquires Tara Miele’s ‘Wander Darkly,’ with Sienna Miller and Diego Luna

The Sundance Film Festival hit will be released this Fall and was produced by Oscar-nominated producer Lynette Howell Taylor’s  51 Entertainment and Shivani Rawat’s ShivHans Pictures

Lionsgate today announced the acquisition of North American rights to Tara Miele’s (“Batwoman”) critically acclaimed film Wander Darkly starring Golden Globe nominated actress Sienna Miller (“American Woman,” “American Sniper”) and Critics’ Choice Award-winning actor Diego Luna (“If Beale Street Could Talk,” “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”).  The drama, which had its world premiere at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival and was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize, will have a multi-platform release this fall from Lionsgate. 

In Wander Darkly, a traumatic accident leaves a couple, Adrienne (Sienna Miller) and Matteo (Diego Luna), in a surreal state of being that takes them on a disorienting journey through the duality of their shared moments.  By reliving fond recollections from the beginning of their romance while also navigating the overwhelming truths of their present, they must rediscover the love that truly binds them together. Writer/director Tara Miele offers a profound new perspective on the delicate nature of relationships with this emotionally moving story about a couple who must reflect on their past in order to face their uncertain future.

Rooted in Miele’s personal experiences, the film was lauded at Sundance for its bold vision and emotional depth. RogerEbert.com says, “…Miele directs her two leads to excellent performances.” The Hollywood Reporter applauds Miller for her “impressive range,” and Variety praises Luna as “terrifically funny.” The Playlist calls Wander Darkly “a beautiful romance.”

“I am thrilled that Wander Darkly has found its home with Lionsgate,” said Miele. “It was a dream to bring this story to life with such an incredible team and the ever-brilliant Sienna Miller and Diego Luna. Seeing audiences’ powerful reactions at Sundance was moving and humbling and we can’t wait to share the film with audiences later this year.” 

“The film is a visually stunning thrill ride through the complexities of love and loss between Sienna and Diego, who deliver wonderful and very moving performances,” said Lauren Bixby, Vice President of Acquisitions at Lionsgate. “Tara weaves mystery and intrigue into a modern-day parable and we could not be more excited to work with her and the rest of the filmmaking team on the release campaign.”

Wander Darkly was produced by 51 Entertainment and ShivHans Pictures.  The producers are Lynette Howell Taylor, Samantha Housman, Shivani Rawat, and Monica Levinson, and executive producers are Mark D. Katchur, and Connor Flanagan.  Sienna Miller is represented by WME, United and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush & Kaller, and Diego Luna is represented by WME along with Hirsch Wallerstein Hayum Matlof and Fishman.

The deal was negotiated by Endeavor Content on behalf of the filmmaking team along with Lauren Bixby from Lionsgate.