Imagine trading your hockey stick for a briefcase and suddenly questioning the very purpose of existence amid the chaos of Wall Street— that's the wild ride awaiting in Tom Blyth's latest project, and it's hitting screens sooner than you think!
Get ready for some laughs with a side of soul-searching, as rising star Tom Blyth dives into the world of high-stakes finance in the upcoming comedy 'Bull Run.' This fresh take on the cutthroat banking scene promises to blend humor with deeper reflections on life, perfect for anyone who's ever wondered what it's like behind those towering skyscrapers.
In an exclusive scoop, we've learned that Vertical Entertainment has snapped up the U.S. distribution rights for this debut feature from director Alfredo Barrios Jr. They'll roll it out in limited theaters and on video-on-demand starting November 14. Joining Blyth are comedy veterans Chris Diamantopoulos, known for his hilarious antics in 'Silicon Valley,' and Jay Mohr, who stole scenes in 'Jerry Maguire'—talk about a powerhouse trio to kick things off.
At its heart, 'Bull Run' follows Bobby Sanders, played by Blyth, a retired professional hockey player who's now thrust into the high-pressure role of a junior investment banker. As he hustles through deals, deadlines, and office politics, Bobby grapples with big questions about what really matters in life. For beginners dipping their toes into stories like this, think of it as a lighthearted yet probing look at how the relentless pursuit of money in finance can spark an 'existential crisis'—that fancy term for feeling lost about your place in the world. We've got an exclusive first-look image from The Hollywood Reporter up top, and the official poster right below to whet your appetite.
The ensemble cast is stacked with talent, including Zach Villa from the chilling 'American Horror Story,' Jordyn Denning of 'Pam & Tommy' fame, Ashwin Gore who appeared in 'Shameless,' Helena Mattsson from the dark comedy 'Seven Psychopaths,' Trevor Gretzky in 'Loudermilk,' Troy Garity of 'Ballers,' Sam Daly from 'The Office,' and Alyshia Ochse in 'True Detective.' It's a mix that brings diverse energies to what sounds like a vibrant, character-driven tale.
First-time director Barrios, whose TV credits include episodes of 'Magnum P.I.' and 'Shelter,' brings this story to life from a screenplay by Bill Keenan. The script draws directly from Keenan's own memoir, 'Discussion Materials: Tales of a Rookie Wall Street Investment Banker,' offering an authentic peek into the wild, often absurd realities of starting out in investment banking. For context, imagine a newbie navigating jargon-filled meetings, 80-hour workweeks, and ethical dilemmas—that's the raw material here, turned into entertaining cinema. Producing alongside Keenan are Doug Ellin, creator of 'Entourage,' along with Karen Baldwin, Howard Baldwin, Andrew Sugerman, and Bill Immerman.
Blyth, of course, has been on a hot streak. Fans know him best as the young Coriolanus Snow in 'The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,' where he captured the origins of that iconic villain with chilling precision. He's also led the Western series 'Billy the Kid' with charisma to spare. Looking ahead, catch him in Netflix's upcoming romantic comedy 'People We Meet on Vacation,' an adaptation of Emily Henry's beloved novel that swaps snowy dystopias for sunny beach vibes and heartfelt connections.
But here's where it gets controversial: Wall Street has long been a lightning rod in Hollywood, portrayed as either a glamorous playground or a soul-crushing machine. Keenan, drawing from his real experiences, shares in a statement, "Wall Street triggered my own existential crisis." He adds a witty twist about the film: "Filming 'Bull Run' got me complimentary snacks on set and a producer title. Maybe I should've started with the perks of movie-making instead."
Director Barrios chimes in with enthusiasm: "I'm thrilled for viewers to dive into this playful, hilarious, and offbeat flick. Tom Blyth and our stellar cast deliver performances that are nothing short of groundbreaking. If audiences enjoy it even half as much as I did while shooting, they'll be absolutely delighted."
Vertical's senior VP of acquisitions, Tony Piantedosi, praises the film's balance: "Alfredo has created something that's both an exhilarating journey and a sharp satire on the finance world, powered by a clever script that Blyth breaks the fourth wall with effortless humor. We're excited to share this gem with North American viewers."
And this is the part most people miss: Does 'Bull Run' humanize the bankers we love to villainize, or does it just scratch the surface of systemic issues in finance? It's a comedy, sure, but one that could spark real debate about work-life balance in cutthroat industries. What do you think—can Hollywood truly capture the madness of Wall Street without romanticizing it? Or is a good laugh all we need? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you're team 'existential crisis' or just here for the hockey-to-banker glow-up!
