Story perspectives

A24 Pays $17 Million for Queer Dramedy ‘Club Kid’

5/19/2026

Summary

A24 Acquires Club Kid

A24 bought Jordan Firstman's debut “Club Kid” for $17 million after a Cannes bidding war.
The queer dramedy stars Firstman, Cara Delevingne, Diego Calva and Reggie Absolom as a promoter who discovers his ten-year-old son.
It premiered in Un Certain Regard on May 15, earning a six- to seven-minute standing ovation.
It was shot on 35 mm in New York City clubs with cinematographer Adam Newport Berra after Rihanna approved “Sex with Me.”

Summary

Club Kid Reimagines

Club Kid offers a warm, hopeful queer reinterpretation of Chaplin’s The Kid, despite its NSFW setting.
The film contrasts chaotic club parties with tender father-son moments, showing love thriving amid excess.
Peter’s ‘freak’ friends, including DJ Saffron and ex-partner Devon, form a chosen family that supports his parenting and challenges Peter Pan-style immaturity.
The soundtrack spans Rihanna to Ethel Cain, reinforcing the blend of gritty nightlife and emotional depth.

Summary

UTA Secures ClubKid

UTA Independent Film Group negotiated Club Kid’s rights sale, with Charades International assisting.
A24 will distribute the film via Leonine in Germany and Austria and Nordisk Film in Scandinavia.
Cannes 2026 saw fewer bidding wars as many films arrived sold, making Club Kid a breakout.
Clockwork withdrew, prompting Neon to step back citing a packed 2026 slate.
Topic Studios and Stay Gold financed film with Alex Coco and Galen Core.

Summary

Club Kid Closes

Club Kid acquisition closed in the “high teens” of millions, beating eight-figure expectations and ranking among few multi-million bids at Cannes 2026.
UTA Independent Film Group negotiated worldwide rights while Charades International managed the Cannes launch, showing a layered deal structure.
The deal followed Amazon’s morning-after purchase of Pumping Black, a Jonathan Bailey-Natalie Portman thriller, highlighting a cascade of high-value Cannes transactions.

History

Historical Context

After Focus Features bought Ang Lee’s queer drama *Brokeback Mountain* in 2005—earning $83 million in North America and sweeping major awards such as the Golden Lion and eight Oscar nominations—studios saw the profit potential of LGBTQ-focused films. Building on that precedent, A24 announced in 2026 that it will acquire Jordan Firstman’s *Club Kid*, signaling Cannes-style high-value deals for inclusive storytelling.

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A24 Acquires Club Kid

A24 bought Jordan Firstman's debut “Club Kid” for $17 million after a Cannes bidding war.
The queer dramedy stars Firstman, Cara Delevingne, Diego Calva and Reggie Absolom as a promoter who discovers his ten-year-old son.
It premiered in Un Certain Regard on May 15, earning a six- to seven-minute standing ovation.
It was shot on 35 mm in New York City clubs with cinematographer Adam Newport Berra after Rihanna approved “Sex with Me.”

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