Toronto 2011: 'Goon' Sells to Magnolia Pictures' Genre Division (Exclusive)

Toronto Film Festival

Magnolia Pictures' Magnet division has swooped up the hockey comedy Goon, starring Seann William Scott, Liev Schreiber and Jay Baruchel.

The picture premiered at Toronto and has been building buzz since then. Sources say the sale is in the roughly $2 million range.

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Goon centers on Doug Glatt, a bouncer (Scott) who has been touched by the fist of God. Upon discovering both his right hook and skates, he joins a downtrodden hockey team and inspires them into new heights.

Alison Pill and Marc-Andre Grondin also are in the movie. Michael Dowse directed.

Baruchel and Evan Goldberg, the frequent collaborator of Seth Rogen, wrote the script, inspired by the book Goon: The True Story of an Unlikely Journey into Minor League Hockey, written by Doug Smith and Adam Frattasio.

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Baruchel is also a producer on the project, which is being produced by DCP Productions' Don Carmody along with David Gross and Jesse Shapira.

CAA, attorney James Feldman and Myriad Pictures repped the movie and made the deal.

UPDATE: Magnolia has issued a press release confirming The Hollywood Reporter's story and adding the following comment from Magnolia/Magnet president Eamonn Bowles: "Goon is a pucking blast. It’s a complete crowd pleaser that has all the elements of a future comedy classic."

Email: Borys.kit@thr.com
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