Aaron Pierre Starrer ‘Fairytale in New York’ Lands at Netflix

Netflix has picked up the action-thriller Fairytale in New York, starring Lanterns actor Aaron Pierre and directed by Jalmari Helander, from Lionsgate with a winning competitive bid.

The feature from the Sisu helmer is set on Christmas Eve in New York City when an unassuming cabbie goes on a relentless night of vengeance after his estranged son’s priceless gift is stolen. Helander will direct from an original spec script from writers Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani (John Rambo).

Pierre starred as John Stewart in the HBO and DC Studios live action series Lanterns and also appeared in Rachel Morrison’s Love of Your Life and had a voice role in Sony Pictures Animation’s sports comedy Goat.

Lionsgate earlier produced War Machine for Netflix and Pierre had a breakout role in another Netflix movie, Jeremy Saulnier’s Rebel Ridge. Lionsgate Motion Picture Group president Erin Westerman welcomed continuing a successful creative run with Netflix and Helander.

“Coming off the extraordinary success of War Machine, we couldn’t be more excited to be making another film with our friends at Netflix. And this marks our third collaboration with Jalmari. He’s an exceptional filmmaker with a distinctive ability to deliver visceral, memorable action while never losing sight of character and emotion. That makes him a perfect match for Aaron Pierre, who has all the makings of a major movie star — commanding screen presence, undeniable charisma and the ability to bring real depth and emotion to his performances. We think this is going to be a very special film,” Westerman said in a statement.

Fairytale in New York will be produced by Beau Flynn for FlynnPictureCo, and Kevin King Templeton for Templeton Media. Scott Sheldon, Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani are executive producing. James Myers and Pavan Kalidindi will oversee production for Lionsgate.

Pierre is represented by WME, Anonymous Content, Entertainment 360, B-Side Management and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.