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- Deal details: Sony Pictures Classics picks up the SXSW winner
- What the film is about: romance, therapy and world-shaping consequences
- Cast and characters: leads and supporting players
- Credits and production partners
- Statements from the studio and filmmaker
- Where this fits in SPC’s festival strategy
- Next steps for Wishful Thinking
Sony Pictures Classics has acquired worldwide rights to Wishful Thinking, the SXSW jury-winning romantic dramedy by first-time feature director Graham Parkes. The film blends relationship drama with a surreal, global twist and stars Lewis Pullman and Maya Hawke.
Deal details: Sony Pictures Classics picks up the SXSW winner
After claiming the top Narrative Feature jury prize at SXSW in March, the film secured a distribution deal. Sony Pictures Classics negotiated the acquisition with UTA Independent Film Group representing the filmmakers.
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Wishful Thinking SXSW top prize: Maya Hawke and Lewis Pullman head to Sony Pictures Classics
No official release date has been announced yet. The studio is positioning the movie for theatrical play, following its festival momentum.
What the film is about: romance, therapy and world-shaping consequences
Wishful Thinking follows a couple in couples’ therapy who encounter mysterious twin healers. Their private struggles begin to trigger outsized effects on the wider world.
- Romantic dramedy with a supernatural premise.
- Relationship ups and downs translate into global disturbances.
- Events depicted range from earthquakes to market swings.
The plot treats the cosmic consequences as both comic and emotional. The film blends human intimacy with high-stakes surrealism.
Cast and characters: leads and supporting players
Lewis Pullman and Maya Hawke headline the story as the couple at the center of the chaos. They are joined by a varied supporting ensemble.
- Maya Hawke — co-lead, bringing indie rom-com energy.
- Lewis Pullman — co-lead and one of the film’s producers.
- Amita Rao
- Randall Park
- Eric Rahill
- Jake Shane
- Kate Berlant
- Kerri Kenney-Silver
Credits and production partners
Graham Parkes both wrote and directed the film, marking his debut feature. Production credits include several small companies and financiers.
- Produced by Lewis Pullman for Buckwild Pictures.
- Dan Gedman and Matt Smith for Highway 10, who fully financed the film.
- Kara Durrett for Pinky Promise.
- Executive producers: Alyssa Roehrenbeck, Sarah Mather, Jessamine Burgum, Cameron Fuller, Graham Patrick Martin.
The financing structure mixes producer-driven companies and independent financiers, a common model for festival-minded indie films.
Statements from the studio and filmmaker
Sony Pictures Classics described Wishful Thinking as the type of romantic comedy modern audiences crave. The studio highlighted the film’s balance of humor and heart.
Director Graham Parkes praised SPC’s history supporting independent cinema. He said the acquisition is a meaningful recognition for the cast and crew.
Where this fits in SPC’s festival strategy
Sony Pictures Classics has been active at festivals this year, acquiring titles that carry awards attention and critical buzz.
- Recently released the BAFTA-winning I Swear.
- Picked up Haifaa Al-Mansour’s Unidentified after TIFF.
- Acquired David Wain’s Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass at Sundance.
- Also slated to release two other Sundance titles and a Cannes acquisition by Pedro Almodóvar.
The studio’s slate shows a pattern: select festival prizes and acclaimed indies for specialty theatrical windows.
Next steps for Wishful Thinking
Plans now move from festival screenings to a wider audience rollout. SPC will set the release timetable and marketing strategy.
The film’s festival profile and a cast with rising indie cachet position it for seasonal specialty release. Audiences can expect details on dates and trailers in coming months.
