Full Breakdown
Republic Pictures Secures “Mighty Mary” Documentary on All-Women’s America’s Cup Team
6/17/2026, 4:52:33 AM
Republic Pictures Acquires “Mighty Mary”
Republic Pictures has acquired the documentary *Mighty Mary*, directed by Mary Mazzio with Skydance Sports. The film follows the first all-women’s sailing team to compete for the America’s Cup. It will premiere at the Nantucket Film Festival on June 18, 2026 and open in AMC Theatres on September 11, 2026 in fourteen U.S. markets.
Background and Team Formation
An open-call ad in *The New York Times* recruited Olympic sailors, rowers, a Native Hawaiian sailor and other elite athletes, forming the first all-women’s America’s Cup team. The crew defeated Dennis Conner’s Stars & Stripes before a disputed back-room decision altered the result, challenging the male-dominated sailing establishment.
Key Figures
Mary Mazzio directs and co-writes; Hugh Jackman and Elizabeth Banks narrate and executive-produce. Grant Hill and Allison Abner co-produce with Skydance Sports; Lauren Gaffney oversees unscripted development. The film features sailors Amy Baltzell, Merritt Carey, Sarah Cavanagh, Annie Gardner, Suzette Hau‘oli Smith Gurtler, Merritt Palm Keffer, Diana Klybert, Suzy Leech, Linda Lindquist, Marci Porter Lucier, Lisa Charles McDonald, Joan Touchette Porter and Hannah Swett. Shep Crawford scores the film; Peter Levy and Patrick Ruth are cinematographers.
Timeline
- Early 2020s – Open-call ad; team formed.
- 2024 – Team competes in America’s Cup, defeats Stars & Stripes.
- 2025-2026 – Production and completion of *Mighty Mary*.
- June 18 2026 – Nantucket Film Festival premiere.
- Sept 11 2026 – Theatrical release in 14 U.S. markets.
Why It Matters
The film highlights gender-equity challenges in elite sailing and aims to inspire broader inclusion in traditionally male-dominated sports.
Official Statements & Responses
Sejin Croninger called the film a “breathtaking sports documentary” and a testament to women who refused to be limited; Lauren Gaffney said it exemplifies Skydance Sports’ focus on stories with impact beyond competition. Mary Mazzio expressed gratitude for the partnership and its potential to motivate young women.
Criticism & Opposition
No critical or opposing viewpoints appear in the provided sources.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Some stories demand to be told — and Mighty Mary is one of them.” — Sejin Croninger, Executive Vice President of Worldwide Acquisitions, Paramount Pictures
- “We’re committed to telling stories about athletes and teams whose impact reaches beyond competition, and Mighty Mary is a prime example,” — Lauren Gaffney, Vice President, Unscripted, Skydance Sports
- “It’s been a privilege to bring this hidden gem of history to life thanks to an extraordinary collaboration and partnership with Skydance Sports and Republic Pictures who both understood the mission and the spirit of this project,” — Mary Mazzio, Director, *Mighty Mary*
- “The grit and resilience of these athletes is a rousing call to girls and young women about what can be possible in the face of what looks to be impossible.” — Mary Mazzio, Director, *Mighty Mary*
What’s Next
After its U.S. theatrical run, *Mighty Mary* will be released internationally by Paramount Global Content Distribution, with additional festival screenings and streaming deals slated for later in 2026.
