The highly anticipated true-crime thriller, originally titled The Policeman, has been rebranded as Golden State Killer and is currently being showcased at the Cannes market with Lionsgate. Starring Vincent Gallo and James Franco, the film is set to have a domestic distribution release through Lionsgate’s established genre partner, Grindstone.
The film, which is penned and directed by Vito Brown, features Gallo in the role of Joseph James DeAngelo, the infamous serial killer responsible for a series of murders and rapes across California starting in the 1970s, who was only apprehended in 2018. Franco portrays a detective tasked with the daunting challenge of capturing DeAngelo during his active crime spree.
Production credits go to Scott Clayton, Jordan Gertner, Barry Brooker, Todd Williams, and Gary A. Hirsch. Notably, Gertner was initially involved as both writer and director before stepping back.
The project has faced challenges, including scrutiny from SAG-AFTRA regarding misconduct allegations against Gallo, which emerged following auditions held in November 2023. These allegations involved inappropriate comments reportedly made during the casting process.
Gallo, known for his provocative films like The Brown Bunny and previously recognized with the Venice Best Actor award, and Franco, known for his roles in films such as 127 Hours and Spring Breakers, are both navigating their careers amidst past controversies. Franco has a number of independent projects underway, including Bunny-Man and Alina of Cuba: La Hija Rebelde, but has not starred in a major studio film since a legal settlement in 2021 concerning accusations of sexual misconduct by former students.
The film, currently in post-production, has generated significant interest, especially given the gravity of the true-crime narrative it represents. Its exploration of societal fears and the real historical context of the Golden State Killer case could resonate well with audiences, representing both a chilling history and a complex portrayal of detective work in the face of overwhelming odds.