A24 to screen drama starring Daniel Craig and directed by Luca Guadagnino

A24 has acquired the U.S. distribution rights to “Queer,” the latest film from Oscar-nominated director Luca Guadagnino.

The film, starring Daniel Craig, which is set to be released this year, will have its world premiere at the 81st Venice Film Festival on September 3.

Set in Mexico City in the 1950s, the film follows William Lee (Craig), an American immigrant in his late forties who lives a solitary life in a small American community. However, the arrival of Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a young student, in the city prompts William to form a meaningful relationship with someone. The film also stars Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Andra Ursuta, Michael Borremans, and David Lowery.

“Queer” was adapted for the screen by Justin Kuritzkes, who collaborated with Guadagnino on “Challengers,” which he adapted from the novel of the same name by American writer William S. Burroughs.

“Queer is a labor of love, and we couldn’t be happier that our film has found a home with such a bold, energetic, and innovative studio as A24,” Craig and Guadagnino said in a joint statement. “It’s an honor to finally bring Burroughs’ legendary novel to life on screen for the first time, and we’re incredibly grateful and excited to be able to bring it to life alongside our collaborators. We couldn’t ask for better partners on this journey.”

In addition to screening in competition at Venice, where Guadagnino won Best Director in 2022, “Queer” will also have its North American premiere as a special screening at the Toronto International Film Festival and will serve as a Spotlight Gala at the New York Film Festival.

Queer was produced by Fremantle, Fremantle North America, Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment, a subsidiary of Fremantle Group, and Luca Guadagnino for his company Frenesy Film, in association with Cinecitta and Frame by Frame. Fremantle Group financed the film.

“We are thrilled that Queer, a true achievement in filmmaking and storytelling, will be released in the U.S. by A24,” said Andrea Scrosati of Fremantle. “A24 is the perfect partner for Luca Guadagnino’s beautiful and emotional film, and we all look forward to working with their incredible team again.”

CAA Media Finance brokered the deal.