Rebecca Hall has landed a massive deal for her directorial debut. Netflix landed international rights to period drama “Passing” for a reported $15.75 million following its world premiere at Sundance Film Festival. “Along with ‘CODA,’ it was the most eagerly awaited acquisition title to hit Sundance, and with this deal, it does not disappoint,” Deadline reports. Sian Heder’s “CODA,” the story of 17-year-old who is the only hearing person in her Deaf family, scored a record-breaking $25 million deal from Apple.
An adaptation of Nella Larsen’s novel of the same name, “Passing” sees two old friends (Tessa Thompson and Ruth Negga) reuniting in 1920s New York. Both Black women can “pass” as white, and one of them has chosen to live as white.
Hall penned the exploration of racial identity and motherhood. The multi-hyphenate discovered the book the film is based on at a time when she was “trying to reckon creatively with some of [her] personal family history, and the mystery surrounding [her] bi-racial grandfather on [her] American mother’s side.”
“Professor Marston & the Wonder Women,” “Iron Man 3,” and “Vicky Christina Barcelona” are among Hall’s on-screen credits.
Thompson’s latest credits include “Westworld,” “Sylvie’s Love,” and “Avengers: Endgame.”
Negga received an Oscar nomination for her leading role in “Loving.” “Ad Astra” and “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” are among the “Preacher” alumna’s other credits.
