Magazine Dreams: Briarcliff Entertainment Acquires US Rights to Controversial Drama

In a move that builds on Tom Ortenberg’s credentials as a provocative champion of contentious material, Briarcliff Entertainment has acquired US rights to Magazine Dreams – a film many thought might never see the light of day after star Jonathan Majors was convicted of domestic violence.

Briarcliff plans a theatrical release for Elijah Bynum’s acclaimed drama about a troubled, aspiring bodybuilder in the first quarter of 2025. CEO Ortenberg declared on Wednesday, “Jonathan Majors’ transcendent performance as Killian Maddox will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most compelling and transformative roles in recent cinema history.”

The film was initially acquired by Searchlight Pictures in early 2023 after Majors earned rave reviews at Sundance, only to quietly return the film to the rights holders at the start of this year. The studio got cold feet last year when Majors’ former partner Grace Jabbari levelled domestic abuse allegations, resulting in a trial and conviction last December.

In April, Majors received a non-custodial sentence. His career has been marked by controversy, including his removal from the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Marvel franchise.

Briarcliff CEO Tom Ortenberg called Magazine Dreams “a visceral experience that challenges the perceptions of ambition and identity”.

The cast includes Haley Bennett, Taylour Paige, and former Mr. Universe Mike O’Hearn. Jennifer Fox, Dan Gilroy, Jeffrey Soros, and Simon Horsman produced, and the executive producers include Majors through his Tall Street Productions, and Luke Rodgers and Andrew Blau for Los Angeles Media Fund.

The deal was negotiated by CAA Media Finance on behalf of the filmmakers, and by Ortenberg, Jessica Rose, and Danielle Goodman Strong on behalf of Briarcliff Entertainment.

During his career, Ortenberg has handled the release of the Oscar-winning Spotlight, and launched Briarcliff six years ago with the release of Michael Moore’s documentary Fahrenheit 11/9 – not to be confused with Moore’s 2004 documentary Fahrenheit 9/11.

Conclusion

The acquisition of Magazine Dreams is a significant move for Briarcliff Entertainment, marking a return to their roots as a champion of provocative and controversial content.

FAQs

What is Magazine Dreams about?
Magazine Dreams is a drama film about a troubled, aspiring bodybuilder starring Jonathan Majors.

What is the release date of Magazine Dreams?
The film is set to release in the first quarter of 2025.

Was Magazine Dreams initially acquired by Searchlight Pictures?
Yes, Magazine Dreams was initially acquired by Searchlight Pictures in early 2023, but the studio returned the film to the rights holders at the start of this year.

Can you tell me more about Jonathan Majors’ situation?
Jonathan Majors has been involved in controversy in recent years, including being convicted of domestic violence and being removed from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.