Jason Segel has signed on to star in Platinum Dunes’ psychological thriller Sponsor, which will be on sale this week at the Cannes Market with UTA Independent Film Group and MK2.
MK2 is handling international, while UTA deals with North America. Directed by James Ponsoldt (Shrinking) and co-written by Ponsoldt and Segel, the film is described as the chilling story of one man holding the key to another’s freedom.
The synopsis reads: Peter (Segel) makes a big mistake when he gets behind the wheel after partying too hard. A terrible accident leaves him with a choice: prison or a recovery program. Convinced he doesn’t have a drinking problem, he begrudgingly shows up to his first meeting and searches for a sponsor. In walks no-nonsense, charismatic yet enigmatic Jerry. Peter is convinced Jerry is the answer to his prayers. But his sponsor’s unconventional approach pulls Peter further off course and pushes him into a living hell that’ll take far more than 12 steps to escape.
“With Sponsor, we set out to explore what happens when support becomes control—when the person you turn to for salvation slowly becomes your worst nightmare,” Segel and Ponsoldt said in a statement.
“After collaborating on Shrinking, we were excited to channel that same emotional intimacy into a psychological thriller, where the stakes are darker, more dangerous, and deeply personal. We can’t wait to bring this unsettling story to life with such an incredible team.”
Brad Fuller of Platinum Dunes added, “After the success of A Quiet Place, we began to seek multi-hyphenates with a strong story perspective. We were lucky enough to meet with Jason, who pitched us his idea for Sponsor. We loved the twists and turns as well as the inside look at the world of recovery. Moreover, Jason and James work together speak volumes, and I am thrilled to be a part of such a strong team.”
Segel is represented by UTA, Ocean Avenue, the law firm Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern, and Independent Public Relations. Ponsoldt is represented by UTA, Brillstein, and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein + Selz.
