Magnolia Pictures Lands U.S. Rights to “The Napa Boys”

Magnolia Pictures has officially acquired the U.S. distribution rights for “The Napa Boys,” a new comedy that recently made its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) as part of its Midnight Madness section. This acquisition sets the stage for the film to reach a wider audience across the United States, with a theatrical release anticipated for early next year.

About “The Napa Boys”

Co-written and co-directed by Armen Weitzman and Nick Corirossi, who also star in the film, “The Napa Boys” is described as an adventure comedy. The narrative follows a mysterious individual known as ‘The Sommelier’ who embarks on a peculiar journey through wine country with a group of friends. The film features an ensemble cast including Sarah Ramos, Mike Mitchell, Chloe Cherry, Vanessa Chester, Paul Rust, Jamar Neighbors, Nelson Franklin, David Wain, Ray Wise, Riki Lindhome, Natasha Leggero, Ivy Wolk, and Beth Dover. Producer Mike Rosenstein for Sunset Rose Pictures and Erin Owens also worked on the project, with Jerrod Carmichael serving as executive producer.

During interviews at TIFF, Weitzman and Corirossi described the film as a unique and personal creation. Weitzman mentioned that the film is “from our human souls” and compared it to “movies of our memories, like ‘Tenet’ or something,” suggesting a blend of familiar cinematic elements with an original, wholesome approach. The creators have also humorously referenced a mix of influences ranging from “American Pie” to “Attack of the Clones” in describing its style.

Filmmakers’ Vision and Magnolia’s Partnership

Weitzman and Corirossi expressed their enthusiasm for partnering with Magnolia Pictures, highlighting the distributor’s history of championing diverse and thought-provoking films. In a statement, they noted Magnolia’s commitment to “tales that delve deep into what makes us human” and can be “shared for generations to come, like ‘Narnia,’ ‘Oz’ and ‘The Color Purple’.” They even playfully linked the grandeur of John Ford’s ‘Monument Valley’ to the setting of ‘Napa Valley’.

Producer Mike Rosenstein further elaborated on the choice, stating, “We chose Magnolia because of their excitement for audiences to experience ‘The Napa Boys’ on the big screen.” He emphasized the hope for audiences to share laughter in theaters and even alluded to the potential for future “many sequels, and prequels, to come.”

Magnolia Pictures’ Commitment to “The Napa Boys”

Magnolia Pictures’ co-CEOs, Eamonn Bowles and Dori Begley, conveyed their delight in securing the rights to the film. They stated, “We’re so happy that ‘The Napa Boys’ have entrusted us to continue being stewards of this historic franchise.” Their statement underscores the company’s belief in the film’s appeal and its potential to become a significant addition to their distribution slate, referring to it as the “newest vintage” they are elated to bring to audiences.

The Road to Release

With the U.S. rights now secured, Magnolia Pictures is planning for “The Napa Boys” to have a theatrical release in early 2026. The deal was negotiated by Magnolia’s SVP Acquisitions John Von Thaden, with CAA Media Finance representing the filmmakers. This strategic acquisition by an independent film studio known for its diverse releases, including foreign and genre titles, positions “The Napa Boys” for a notable entry into the cinematic landscape.

Conclusion

The acquisition of U.S. rights for “The Napa Boys” by Magnolia Pictures marks an exciting development for this unique comedy. With its blend of an intriguing premise, an acclaimed ensemble cast, and the creative vision of Weitzman and Corirossi, the film is poised to offer audiences a fresh and entertaining cinematic experience. As it prepares for its early 2026 theatrical debut, anticipation grows for what promises to be a memorable trip through wine country, courtesy of “The Napa Boys.”