Open Road Films announced today that they have acquired all U.S. distribution rights to the original comedy Rock the Kasbah, which is set to star Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, Kate Hudson, Danny McBride, Shia LaBeouf and Zooey Deschanel.
The film tells the story of “Richie Vance,” a has-been rock manager who takes his last remaining client on a USO tour of Afghanistan. When Richie finds himself in Kabul, abandoned, penniless and without his passport, he discovers a young girl with an extraordinary voice and manages her through Afghanistan’s version of “American Idol,” the wildly popular “Afghan Star.”
Tom Ortenberg, CEO of OpenRoad Films, stated, “We were blown away by the script for ‘Rock the Kasbah.’ We are thrilled to re-team with Bill Block and his team at QED and looking forward to working with legendary filmmaker Barry Levinson and this incredible ensemble cast led by the one and only Bill Murray.”
Bill Block, CEO of QED International, added, “With its brilliant script, superb cast and Barry Levinson at the helm, ‘Rock the Kasbah’ promises to be a true comedy event on a global scale. Open Road’s proven track record with so many different genres makes them a perfect home for this unique project, and we couldn’t be more excited to continue the relationship with Tom and his team.”
Rock the Kasbah is written by Mitch Glazer and directed by Barry Levinson. QED’s Bill Block, Venture Forth’s Jacob Pechenik, Shangri-La Entertainment’s Steve Bing and Mitch Glazer will produce with Brian Grazer and Tom Freston serving as executive producers.
The film is is being financed by QED International and Venture Forth. CEO of QED International. Open Road Films is planning a wide release with production slated to begin this June.
