EXCLUSIVE: Netflix and Lionsgate are teaming on the new action thriller Fairtytale In New York with Aaron Pierre starring and Sisu helmer Jalmari Helander directing. Netflix is on board to distribute the pic with Lionsgate producing. Insiders tell Deadline the the sale came after a competitive auction with Netflix being the best fit for the project.
The film is base on an original spec script from writers Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani. The pic reunites Helander with not only Lionsgate, who released the two Sisu films but screenwriters Haines and Noshirvani, who also wrote Helander’s upcoming John Rambo pic that bows next summer.
The movie is set on Christmas Eve in New York City, where an unassuming cabbie embarks on a relentless night of vengeance after his estranged son’s priceless gift is stolen. Beau Flynn will produce for FlynnPictureCo with Kevin King Templeton producing for Templeton Media. Haines and Noshirvani will exec produce along with Scott Sheldon of FlynnPictureCo.
“There’s nothing better than bringing together great creative partners with whom you already have a history of success. Coming off the extraordinary success of War Machine, we couldn’t be more excited to be making another film with our friends at Netflix,” said Lionsgate Motion Group President Erin Westerman. And this marks our third collaboration with Jalmari. He’s an exceptional filmmaker with a distinctive ability to deliver visceral, memorable action while never losing sight of character and emotion. That makes him a perfect match for Aaron Pierre, who has all the makings of a major movie star — commanding screen presence, undeniable charisma, and the ability to bring real depth and emotion to his performances. We think this is going to be a very special film.”
The film marks a winning combination for action fans–Lionsgate produced War Machine, which broke onto Netflix’s Most Popular Movies List, and Aaron Pierre had his breakout role in another hit for the streamer, Jeremy Saulnier’s Rebel Ridge.
Pierre is coming off a strong fall that included another action heavy role with his hit HBO series Lanterns. The series also starred Kyle Chandler and was one of the Networks biggest dramas of 2026. On the film side he was recently see in the Amazon MGM pic Love Of Your Life, which had its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival.
His 2027 looks even bigger with him set to reprise his John Stewart role in DC Studios’ Man From Tomorrow. He is also set to appear in the new Star Wars pic Star Wars: Starfighter starring Ryan Gosling, which bows next May.
Helander recently wrapped production on the highly-anticipated prequel John Rambo starring Noah Centineo. The pic bows on June 4, 2027.
Pierre is repped by WME, Entertainment 360 and B-Side Management. Helander is WME.
Helen Lee-Kim, president of International for the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, closed the deal with Netflix, which was negotiated by Lionsgate’s Michael Meyer, with Dan Freedman negotiating Aaron Pierre’s deal. James Myers and Pavan Kalidindi will oversee production for Lionsgate.
