Culture 3 min read By Lauren Baxter
IFC Acquires U.S. Rights to Nicolas Cage Action-Thriller «Best Pancakes In The County»
Independent Film Company has secured domestic distribution rights to Ken Sanzel's action-thriller starring Nicolas Cage, Justin Long, and Shelley Hennig, with a first-look image released as the deal was announced.
Independent Film Company has acquired U.S. distribution rights to «Best Pancakes In The County», an action-thriller written and directed by Ken Sanzel. The film stars Nicolas Cage, Justin Long, and Shelley Hennig, and a first-look image from the production has been revealed alongside the deal announcement.
The acquisition was negotiated by Mark Ward, Chief Acquisitions Officer for Independent Film Company, and Eduard Osipov. The deal gives IFC domestic rights to the film, though a release date and distribution strategy have not yet been disclosed. The project marks another entry in Cage's recent run of genre work, following his acclaimed performance in «Longlegs», while Long has been riding momentum from «Weapons» and Hennig is known for her role in «Unfriended».
Sanzel, who previously wrote and directed «Kill Chain», returns to the action-thriller space with this project. The film's title suggests a story rooted in a specific American locale, though plot details remain under wraps. The first-look image, released as part of the announcement, offers an early glimpse at the film's tone and visual style but does not reveal specific story elements.
The deal reflects continued demand for star-driven genre titles in the independent film market, where distributors like IFC have increasingly sought projects with recognizable casts and director-driven visions. Cage, a longtime fixture in both studio and independent cinema, has remained prolific across a wide range of roles, and his involvement in «Best Pancakes In The County» positions the film as a potential acquisition target for international buyers as well.
Long's recent work in «Weapons» has kept him in demand for genre and thriller projects, while Hennig's background in horror and suspense films makes her a fitting addition to the cast. The combination of the three actors, along with Sanzel's experience in action-oriented storytelling, gives the project a distinct profile as it moves toward release.
Further details about the film's plot, production timeline, and release plans are expected to emerge as the project advances. For now, the domestic rights deal and the first-look image mark the first major public steps for «Best Pancakes In The County» as it prepares to reach U.S. audiences through Independent Film Company.
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