While we’re still catching our breath from “Challengers,” anticipation is already building for Luca Guadagnino’s next project, “Queer,” which has been hailed as a strong contender for the best film of the year by festival organizers. Some are even predicting it will leave a significant mark at the 2025 Oscars.
The filmmaker shared this is a movie he has dreamed of making since he was 20, so it’s no surprise that a fierce battle for its distribution rights ensued. A24 came out on top for U.S. distribution, while another major company secured the international rights.
Based on William S. Burroughs’ novel, “Queer” is set in 1940s Mexico City and follows Lee, who, after escaping a drug bust in New Orleans, wanders through the city’s vibrant nightlife and becomes drawn to Allerton, a drug-using ex-American Navy serviceman.
Which countries will screen ‘Queer’?
MUBI, known for its expertly curated selection of critically acclaimed titles, has now landed a major acquisition with “Queer,” marking one of its most promising deals to date. With industry critics already predicting the production will be a strong contender in the upcoming awards season, this move could solidify MUBI’s place among top streaming platforms.
The movie will be available in several key regions, including the UK-Ireland, Canada, Latin America, Germany, Austria, Benelux, Spain, Turkey, and India. In Italy, MUBI has secured all rights except for theatrical, as Lucky Red will handle the cinema release.
While detailed release plans for both theaters and streaming are yet to be announced, with the U.S. premiere set for November 27, it’s likely that “Queer” will make its worldwide debut in December, with streaming set to begin in early 2025.
The picture premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival last month to widespread acclaim, with many hailing it as Luca Guadagnino’s finest work. The director himself has called it his most personal project, adding to the high expectations surrounding the release.
It is also set to be a career-defining moment for its lead actors, Daniel Craig and Drew Starkey. Craig, an established A-lister, is taking a bold step away from his usual roles, while Starkey, best known for “Outer Banks,” is poised to distance himself from the Netflix teen series.
