Dev Patel’s next directorial effort, The Peasant, has been acquired by A24 in a worldwide rights deal reportedly worth around $30 million. As reported by Deadline The pickup comes just before the start of the Cannes market, where buzz around action-heavy projects has been relatively quiet. With its genre-blending story and unique setting, this one didn’t stay on the table for long.
The film, described as a gritty mix of Braveheart, John Wick, and King Arthur, takes place in 14th-century feudal India. Patel plays a seemingly unremarkable shepherd who takes violent revenge on a group of knights who destroy his village. As his crusade unfolds, it becomes clear there’s much more to him than meets the eye.
The Peasant marks Patel’s second turn behind the camera, following his bold and brutal debut Monkey Man, which premiered to strong acclaim last year. The new film reunites him with producer Thunder Road, also behind the John Wick franchise, and with A24, who previously worked with Patel on The Green Knight.
Speaking to Rolling Stone about his approach to filmmaking, Patel said, “There were certain punches I didn’t want to pull… Without those elements, it wouldn’t be the movie I wanted to make.” His comment suggests we can expect the same fearless storytelling in The Peasant, especially with a medieval setting primed for blood, steel, and vengeance.
The script started life on the 2023 Black List, Hollywood’s annual roundup of the best unproduced screenplays. Will Dunn, who contributed to Marvel’s Ms. Marvel, wrote the original spec, with Patel collaborating on the final draft. The film is being produced by Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Chris Morrison, with Fifth Season also involved in the production and international sales.
The Peasant is expected to start filming later this year. While no release date has been announced, the early momentum, scale of the deal, and creative pedigree suggest A24 sees real franchise potential in the project. One thing’s for sure—Patel isn’t pulling any punches this time either.
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