Jessica Lange, Ed Harris in O’Neill—Quiver snags US rights for Sept 25

**Quiver Distribution Secures U.S. Rights to “Long Day’s Journey Into Night” Film**

Quiver Distribution announced that it has acquired the North American distribution rights to the feature‑film adaptation of Eugene O’Neill’s play *Long Day’s Journey Into Night*.

The film, starring Jessica Lange in her reprised Broadway role as Mary Tyrone, will debut on September 25 after a special screening at Film at Lincoln Center on September 14.

The production marks the feature directorial debut of Jonathan Kent, who also directed the 2016 Broadway production of the play. In addition to Lange, the cast includes Ed Harris as James Tyrone, Ben Foster as Jamie, and Colin Morgan as Edmund. The screenplay adaptation was written by David Lindsay‑Abaire.

## Background & Cast

*Long Day’s Journey Into Night* began life on stage in 1956, earning O’Neill post‑humous acclaim for its unflinching look at family dysfunction. The play has since become a staple of American theatre, staged by companies across the globe and studied in literature courses for its lyrical prose and psychological depth.

The film adaptation is the first full‑length cinematic version to retain the original ensemble’s chemistry, thanks in large part to the cast’s theatrical pedigree.

Jessica Lange, whose career spans *Blue Sky* and *Tootsie*, delivered a tour‑de‑force performance as Mary Tyrone on Broadway in 2015–16. Critics praised her ability to weave fragility and ferocity into a single, heartbreaking character.

Her return to the role on screen promises a continuity of emotional intensity that fans of the stage version have long awaited.

Ed Harris, a four‑time Oscar nominee known for *The Lord Of the Rings* and *Apollo 13*, brings gravitas to James Tyrone—a man whose ambition collapses under the weight of family and addiction.

Harris’s portrayal has been highlighted by reviewers as one of the film’s strongest pillars, echoing his own history of playing complex, morally ambiguous characters.

Ben Foster, celebrated for *Hell or High Water* and *The Big Short*, steps into Jamie—an older son whose hard‑drinking and restless nature is a source of both comic relief and tragic depth. Foster’s nuanced performance captures the character’s internal conflict, resonating with audiences who see their own struggles reflected on screen.

Colin Morgan, renowned for *The Lord Of the Rings* and *The Hobbit* trilogies, embodies Edmund—O’Neill’s own childhood self. Morgan channels the poet’s bleak optimism with a quiet intensity that critics have lauded as a fresh take on the character.

## Production Details & Release Plan

The movie was produced by Gabrielle Tana, Bill Kenwright, Gleb Fetisov, and Redmond Morris. Adaptation duties for the screenplay were handled by David Lindsay‑Abaire, whose credits include *Rabbit Hole* and *Oz the Great and Powerful*.

Quiver’s co‑presidents Berry Meyerowitz and Jeff Sackman expressed enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to bring director Jonathan Kent’s remarkable feature debut to U.S. audiences,” they said. “Kent has brought together a powerhouse cast, led by the incredible Jessica Lange to tell O’Neill’s story.”

Jonathan Kent, a British theatre and opera director with a record that includes productions on Broadway, in Dublin and Edinburgh, and operas at the Royal Opera House and the Mariinsky Theatre, helms the film. Kent has been nominated for both Tony and Olivier awards.

He recently completed a new musical, *El Alma Al Aire*, which is slated to open in Madrid in October 2026.

Kent himself noted the challenge of translating what he called “arguably America’s greatest play” to film: “Working with Ed Harris and the brilliant Jessica Lange – who I directed on Broadway in the same role – was an exhilarating experience,” he said.

“They are both as supremely accomplished on screen as they are on stage.” He added that the decision to keep much of the original stage’s pacing and dialogue was deliberate, aiming to preserve the play’s immediacy while taking advantage of cinematic techniques such as close‑ups and subtle lighting changes.

The distribution deal was negotiated by Larry Greenberg and TJ Smith for Quiver, with David Gilbery and Naomi George representing BK Studios. The film will see a special screening at Film at Lincoln Center on September 14 before its wider release on September 25.

## Industry Impact & Next Steps

The acquisition signals a growing trend of high‑profile stage productions being adapted into feature films for broader audiences. With a cast that includes Oscar winners and Tony Award recipients, the film positions itself as a potential critical darling.

The choice of a premiere at Film at Lincoln Center—a venue known for showcasing significant cinematic events—underscores the production’s prestige.

Quiver’s announcement comes after the film’s release in Ireland, where it was showcased at the Dublin Film Festival in February 2025.

Attendees praised Jessica Lange’s performance as “one of the greatest performances ever on film,” and many social‑media posts highlighted how the movie bridged theatrical reverence with cinematic accessibility.

Fans who had followed the play for decades expressed excitement at seeing familiar lines delivered with new visual depth, while younger viewers were intrigued by the film’s ability to convey complex emotions in a condensed runtime.

The release schedule indicates a strategic push to capitalize on the summer movie season. Quiver plans a robust marketing campaign featuring behind‑the‑scenes interviews, director Q&A sessions, and a targeted social‑media push that taps into both theatre aficionados and mainstream audiences.

The film’s release window also positions it favorably for awards consideration, given its critical pedigree and the historical significance of O’Neill’s work.

While the film’s distribution rights are secured for North America, the production team has not yet detailed plans for international markets beyond a potential global release. The casting and production teams remain represented by major agencies, including CAA, Untitled, and United Agents, ensuring continued industry support.

Early indicators suggest that international distributors are monitoring the film’s reception closely, anticipating a ripple effect that could open the door to further adaptations of classic American plays.

The film’s release will offer American audiences a chance to witness a masterful adaptation of O’Neill’s classic, supported by an ensemble that has proven its prowess on both stage and screen.

As the industry watches this high‑stakes venture unfold, it will likely influence future decisions about how best to translate the intimacy of theatre into the expansive world of cinema.