STXfilms, a division of STX Entertainment, is in final negotiations to produce and distribute Adrift, an unforgettable true story of survival at sea directed by Baltasar Kormákur with Shailene Woodley in talks to star, it was announced today by Adam Fogelson, Chairman of STXfilms. STXinternational will distribute the film in the United Kingdom and introduce the project to distributors in Berlin at the EFM.
Adrift is written by Aaron & Jordan Kandell. Kormákur will direct and produce the film under his RVK Studios banner with production set to begin in June, 2017. Aaron Kandell and Jordan Kandell will also produce.
Adrift is based on the true story of Tami Oldham (Woodley) who, after being knocked unconscious by the most massive hurricane in the history of the Pacific Ocean, awakens to find her fiancé Richard Sharp badly injured, their boat in ruins, and no means of communication or navigation. As memories of how she wound up there begin to come back, and 1,500 miles to the nearest port, Tami must race against the clock to save herself and the only man she’s ever loved. Told through the eyes of her traumatic ordeal and the flashbacks that show the beauty of how their love began, this is the incredible true story of one couple’s journey of survival.
“This project was highly sought after and the entire team at STXfilms is thrilled to be able to work with Balt on this harrowing, extraordinary and inspiring story of love and survival against all odds,” said Fogelson.
“We have a wonderful history collaborating creatively with Baltasar,” added Kosse. “Seeing what he did with the exhilarating yet heartbreaking true story in Everest, he is the perfect filmmaker to bring Tami’s amazing open water adventure to the big screen. This is the kind of story and film that will be a highly anticipated event title all over the world.”
“I am very exited to work with the team of STX given the great experiences I have had with David Kosse and Adam Fogelson. While other studios were aggressive in pursuing this story, STX’s passion and commitment to sharing Tami’s story convinced me there was no better partner. Shailene´s unique talent, her strength, vulnerability and understanding of complex characters makes her the perfect fit to play the young heroine fighting for her life,” said Kormákur.
Fogelson and STXinternational president David Kosse both have a long history with Kormákur. Both executives worked with the director on several of his previous films, including Everest and Contraband. Fogelson additionally greenlit Two Guns and Kosse served as executive producer on his most recent Icelandic language film, The Oath.
