Republic Pictures has secured the North American distribution rights to “Rob Peace,” the sophomore feature from actor and-now director Chiwetel Ejiofor. Known for his critically acclaimed directorial debut, “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind,” Ejiofor brings another compelling story to the screen, starring alongside Jay Will, Mary J. Blige, and Camila Cabello.
Premiering to strong reviews at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, “Rob Peace” is set to hit 500 theaters on August 2. Written and directed by Ejiofor, the film is an adaptation of Jeff Hobbs’ best-selling biography, “The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace: A Brilliant Young Man Who Left Newark for the Ivy League.”
“Rob Peace” chronicles the life of a young man from a crime-ridden neighborhood in Newark, NJ, who graduated from Yale with degrees in molecular biophysics and biochemistry. Despite his academic success, Peace led a dual life, selling marijuana to support his father, whom he believed was wrongfully imprisoned for murder. Tragically, Peace was killed in a drug-related shooting in 2011.
The film’s production team includes notable names such as Antoine Fuqua, Rebecca Hobbs, Kat Samick, Andrea Calderwood, Jeffrey Soros, Alex Kurtzman, Jenny Lumet, and Simon Horsman. Executive producers include Mary J. Blige, Morgan Earnest, Luke Rodgers, Jeff Skoll, Robert Kessel, Bruce Evans, and Jamin O’Brien. The cast is rounded out by Curt Morlaye, Caleb Eberhardt, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Michael Kelly, and Mare Winningham.
Expressing his excitement, Ejiofor stated, “I’m thrilled to partner with Republic Pictures in bringing this extraordinary story to audiences. Jeff Hobbs’ powerful book on Rob’s life fused together essential thoughts for me on race, housing, education, criminal justice, family, and community. I can’t wait for audiences to experience Rob’s truly compelling life onscreen, at a time when the complex nature of social mobility remains as important as ever.”
Republic Pictures President Dan Cohen emphasized the company’s dedication to impactful storytelling, saying, “We are committed to providing a platform for films with the potential to stir conversation and impact culture. We are incredibly proud to work with Chiwetel Ejiofor and this esteemed producing team to support such an important project.”
This acquisition follows Republic Pictures’ recent purchase of Edward Burns’ “Millers in Marriage,” featuring Julianna Margulies, Gretchen Mol, Minnie Driver, and Morena Baccarin.