Open Road Pictures acquires Johnny Depp crime thriller “Labyrinth”

PanARMENIAN.Net - Open Road Pictures has acquired the crime thriller “Labyrinth” starring Johnny Depp as a detective who investigates the Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. murders, Variety reports.

Brad Furman is directing with production set to start in mid-November.

Miramax is partnering and co-financing with Open Road Films for U.S. distribution. Good Universe is handling international sales for remaining territories.

“Labyrinth” is an edgy and timely investigative thriller that will make a great addition to our slate,” said Open Road CEO Tom Ortenberg in a statement. “Johnny Depp is perfect for the project and we are thrilled to be in business with him, Miriam Segal, Brad Furman and the rest of the filmmaking team.”

In the pic, disgraced LAPD detective Russell Poole (Depp), is a beaten man, unable to solve his biggest case – the murders of music icons Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. After two decades, the case remains open. “Jack” Jackson, a reporter desperate to save his reputation and career, is determined to find out why. He tracks down Poole, and the two enter into an uneasy partnership to finally put this case to rest. As Poole relives the unbelievable story of power, corruption and crime, Jackson begins to unravel a growing web of scandal and deception. Relentless in their hunt for the truth, these two broken men threaten to crack the foundation of the LAPD all the while fighting for their own redemption.

Miriam Segal and her Good Films are producing. Christian Contreras is writing the screenplay adapted from Randall Sullivan’s book “LAbyrinth: A Detective Investigates the Murders of Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G., the Implication of Death Row Records’ Suge Knight, and the Origins of the Los Angeles Police Scandal.”

The deal was negotiated on behalf of Open Road Films by Tom Ortenberg, CEO, and Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Elliott Kleinberg; and by UTA Independent Film Group and WME Global on behalf of the filmmakers along with Good Universe.