RLJ Entertainment and AMC Networks’ Shudder are partnering on the North American release of Joe Lynch’s action/thriller MAYHEM through a deal finalized at the 70th Cannes International Film Festival.  The film first premiered at the 2017 SXSW Film Festival to positive reviews.  Directed by Joe Lynch (Everly) and written by Matias Caruso, the film stars Steven Yeun (The Walking Dead), Samara Weaving (Monster Trucks), Steven Brand (The Scorpion King) and Dallas Roberts (Dallas Buyers Club).   

RLJE plans to release MAYHEM in theaters and On Demand in Q4 2017, with the Shudder streaming premiere slated for early 2018.  Mark Ward, RLJE’s Chief Acquisitions Officer, and Aurelie de Troyer, Shudder’s VP of Global Acquisitions and Co-Productions made the announcement today. 

In MAYHEM, an airborne virus infects the corporate tower of a major law firm on the day attorney Derek Saunders (Yeun) is wrongfully fired. The infection is capable of making people act out on their “mosterratic” impulses and viral rage takes over.  Trapped in the quarantined building, Saunders is forced to fearlessly fight for his job, his redemption and his life.

MAYHEM was produced by Avva Pictures Mehrdad Elie & Parisa Caviani along with Circle of Confusion’s Lawrence Mattis & Matt Smith.

Ward negotiated the deal with Aurelie de Troyer and Paradigm on behalf of the filmmakers.