Full Breakdown
Bleecker Street Secures U.S. Distribution for the Thriller “NDA”
7/8/2026, 1:16:30 AM
Acquisition Overview
Bleecker Street has acquired U.S. distribution rights to “NDA,” a psychological thriller starring Rachel Zegler, Penn Badgley, and Amy Ryan. Directed by Audrey Ellis Fox, the film is in principal photography in New York City. The plot follows Dana (Zegler) during a mediation session for an office harassment claim, with a ticking deadline that forces her to weigh silence against truth.
Script Recognition and Directorial Debut
The screenplay earned a spot on the 2024 Black List and was selected for the 2023 Women in Film X Black List Feature Residency program. “NDA” marks Fox’s first feature film after a career directing Nike and Gatorade commercials.
Principal Cast and Crew
Rachel Zegler, a Golden Globe winner for “West Side Story,” leads as Dana and has upcoming roles in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Octet” and “She Gets It.” Penn Badgley, known for “Gossip Girl” and “You,” will appear next in the romantic comedy “You Deserve Each Other.” Amy Ryan, an Oscar-nominated actress for “Gone Baby Gone,” adds credits from “Birdman,” “Bridge of Spies,” and “The Office.” Fox serves as director and executive producer; Kent Sanderson is Bleecker Street’s CEO and executive producer.
Talent Representation
Zegler is represented by WME; Badgley by CAA; Ryan by Untitled Entertainment; Fox by CAA.
Production Partners
The film is a co-production among Mighty Engine (Jared Ian Goldman, Zola Elgart Glassman), Snoot (Keith Calder, Jess Wu Calder), Tanbark Pictures (Caitlin Gold), and In The Cut Productions (Daniel Ginsberg). Executive producers also include Tyler DiNapoli, Miranda King, and Christian Hall.
Official Statements
Bleecker Street’s leadership said the acquisition aligns with its focus on bold, filmmaker-driven cinema, citing the script’s reputation and Fox’s vision. Fox described “NDA” as an exploration of power and perception, emphasizing the collaborative enthusiasm of the production partners.
Significance for Independent Film
The deal illustrates Bleecker Street’s commitment to original, character-driven thrillers sourced from acclaimed screenplays. Backing a first-time feature director with a commercial background signals openness to cross-disciplinary talent, while the involvement of high-profile actors may broaden the film’s market reach.
Verbatim Quotes
- “NDA was one of the best scripts I’ve read and is exactly the kind of bold, filmmaker-driven cinema we’re passionate about championing,” — Kent Sanderson, CEO, Bleecker Street
- “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Rachel, Penn, Amy, Bleecker, and the rest of this exceptional team to bring my film to screen,” — Audrey Ellis Fox, Director & EP
Current Production Status
“NDA” remains in production; filming is currently underway in New York City.
