Kiefer Sutherland & Al Pacino Action-Thriller ‘Father Joe’ Gets North American Deal

Vertical has acquired the North American rights to *Father Joe*, an action thriller starring Kiefer Sutherland and Al Pacino, and plans a wide theatrical release in 2027. The deal gives the film a route to cinemas in a market where Vertical previously released Luc Besson’s *Dracula*, while bringing a story about a priest’s secret war on organised crime to audiences.

Written and produced by Besson and directed by Barthélémy Grossmann, the film also stars Ever Anderson and Michael Rispoli. It premiered at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival; its plot follows Father Joe as he takes on crime rings in Manhattan’s Little Italy and forms unlikely alliances. The cast includes Fred Melamed, Chris Tardio and Erik Palladino. *Dracula*, released by Vertical in 2025, earned $13 million in North America and $43 million worldwide in cinemas.