Fox Searchlight grabs Malick’s ‘Tree’

Terrence Malick’s “The Tree of Life” has landed at Fox Searchlight, which has opted to wait until next year to release the drama.
Searchlight made the announcement Thursday, saying that it’s acquired U.S. rights from Bill Pohlad’s River Road Entertainment for “Tree,” which stars Brad Pitt and Sean Penn.

“Tree of Life” had been the only release remaining at Pohlad’s troubled Apparition Films, which had never given it a release date. Apparition had laid off all but a few employees earlier this week.

“Tree” wasn’t completed in time for the Venice, Telluride or Toronto festivals.

“Terrence Malick has crafted a deeply moving, keenly observed and magisterial film,” said Fox Searchlight presidents Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley in a statement. “Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and the entire cast’s performances are simply amazing. This is a signature film by a signature filmmaker and we are proud to be releasing it.”

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