First Look at Neil Burger’s ‘Barracuda’ Starring MCU Star Anthony Mackie and Dafne Keen in Action Thriller

Film markets and distribution deals are often a big part of how new movies reach audiences around the world. Before a film even finishes production, rights are already sold to different regions, and first-look images are usually shared to build early interest.

That is now the case with Barracuda, a new action thriller that is currently in production and already attracting strong international attention.

The first official image from the film has been released by Highland Film Group, along with details about a series of major distribution deals. The project is being directed by Neil Burger, known for films like Limitless and The Illusionist, and it stars Anthony Mackie and Dafne Keen.

The film is also backed by executive producer Robert Zemeckis, according to Highland Film Group. Production is currently taking place in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Barracuda follows a former smuggler who tries to save a kidnapped teenager. The story turns into a high-speed chase across the desert, with the two characters escaping in a stolen 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. The vehicle originally belongs to a dangerous club owner, which raises the stakes as the pursuit intensifies.

Highland Film Group has confirmed that Amazon has acquired distribution rights for several major territories, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Benelux, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Other regional deals have also been made across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and parts of South America through various distributors.

The cast also includes Steven Bauer, Anthony Del Negro, and Don Worley. The screenplay is written by Adam Mason and Simon Boyes.

The film is produced by Jack Rapke and Aaron Rapke for Image Movers, along with Arianne Fraser, Delphine Perrier, and Henry Winterstern for Highland Film Group, among others. Highland is co-financing the project with Aperture Media Partners and handling worldwide rights alongside UTA Independent Film Group for the US market.

Highland Film Group COO Delphine Perrier commented on the production, saying: “This is a big, bold project driven by visceral action sequences shot in real life – production is going very well and the footage looks incredible.”

Barracuda is still in production, and more updates are expected as filming continues.

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