Open Road Films Acquires Thorne’s Romantic Drama “Midnight Sun”

Bella Thorne is hitting the Open Road with her new film next July…

Open Road Films has acquired the U.S. rights to Midnight Sun, the Scott Speer-directed romantic drama starring the 19-year-old half-Cuban American actress, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Rob Riggle and Quinn Shepard.

Bella Thorne

Open Road committed a seven-figure minimum guarantee and a P&A commitment for a wide release. The distributor has set a wide release for July 14, 2017.

The romantic drama follows 17-year-old Katie Price (Thorne), sheltered since childhood with a life-threatening sensitivity to sunlight. Katie’s world opens up after dark when she ventures out to play her guitar for travelers. One night, she meets Charlie (Schwarzenegger), whom she has secretly admired for years. She hides her condition from him, and the two embark on a uniquely powerful romance that takes place over the summer.

The picture is based on the Japanese film Taiyo No Uta, and Eric Kirsten wrote the script.

Open Road confirmed the deal. “We were swept off our feet by this romantic film,” Open Road CEO Tom Ortenberg said. “The movie had men and women – young and old – in tears, and we could tell immediately how strongly this story, and the fantastic performances by leads Bella and Patrick, would resonate with audiences of all ages.”