Paramount Pictures is making a strong entrance under Skydance ownership by acquiring the exciting film package for “High Side,” a new project from acclaimed director James Mangold and rising star Timothée Chalamet. This collaboration marks a reunion for the duo following their work on the Oscar-nominated Bob Dylan biopic, “A Complete Unknown.”
Mangold is set to direct “High Side,” which is described as a biker thriller that follows a former MotoGP racer who faces the ghosts of a career-ending crash and a troubled family legacy. The narrative kicks off when this estranged racer is pulled back into a high-stakes world of danger and adrenaline after his brother, on the run from the FBI, enlists him in a series of superbike bank heists.
The film is produced by Peter Chernin and David Ready through Chernin Entertainment, alongside Mangold, and is based on an original, unpublished story by Jaime Oliveira, who is also adapting the screenplay. Paramount’s co-chairs, Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, expressed their enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the studio’s commitment to bold and original storytelling.
Mangold praised the collaborative spirit of Paramount’s leadership, saying, “David, Dana, and Josh display a real commitment to original, story-driven filmmaking on the big screen.” He characterized Chalamet as a trusted collaborator and generational talent, adding to the excitement surrounding the project.
The film is described as a blend of elements from “Heat” and “Hell or High Water,” setting high expectations for its action and narrative depth. Additionally, Mangold’s busy schedule, which includes developing a “Swamp Thing” for DC and a Star Wars movie for Lucasfilm, adds to the anticipation of when “High Side” will take shape.
Overall, “High Side” promises to deliver an engaging story filled with tension and emotional conflicts, drawing from the talents and the proven track record of its creative team. This project not only signals Paramount’s commitment to innovative filmmaking but also showcases the studio’s intent to connect with audiences through compelling narratives.