STAMFORD, Conn. – As first reported by Deadline, WWE Studios and Troika Pictures announced they will co-produce and co-finance the upcoming thriller, “The Hive,” starring Halle Berry and Abigail Breslin. WWE Superstar David Otunga has also announced he’ll join the cast. Principal photography is scheduled to commence July 6 in and around Los Angeles.
“Finally! Excited to start on my first movie role alongside Halle Berry in “The Hive” Thank you @TroikaPictures / Sony @WWEStudios,” @DavidOtunga Tweeted Thursday.
The thriller, to be directed by Brad Anderson (“The Machinist,” “Transsiberian”), was written by Rich D’Ovidio (“Exit Wounds,” “Thir13en Ghosts”) and based on a story by Rich D’Ovidio, Nicole D’Ovidio and Jon Bokencamp.
In the film, Emergency Call Center Operator Jordan (Berry) takes a call from a teenage girl, Casey (Breslin), who has been abducted and carried away in the trunk of a car. The kidnapping plays out in real time as Jordan and Casey work together to track down the killer in this high stakes thriller. Otunga plays Officer Devans, a Los Angeles cop who works hand-in-hand with Jordan to find the kidnapper.
“The Hive” is being produced by Troika’s Michael Helfant, Robert Stein and Bradley Gallo, WWE Studios’ Michael Luisi and Jeff Graup. William Gallo, Philip M. Cohen and Chip Rosenbloom are executive producers.
“‘The Hive’ is an ideal addition to WWE Studios’ slate of films given its strong award-winning cast and exciting story,” said WWE Studios president Michael Luisi. “We are looking forward to working with Brad Anderson and Troika Pictures on this picture.”
“We are very excited to partner with WWE Studios on this production,” added Stein and Helfant. “WWE has a passionate fan base and incredible marketing muscle. We look forward to working with Michael and his entire team.”
WWE will utilize its extensive global reach through its television, digital media and print assets to market the release of the film. Sierra Affinity is handling foreign pre-sales. Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) has U.S. rights.
Bradley Buchanan, Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs, negotiated on behalf of WWE Studios.
