Universal Acquires International Rights to Kathryn Bigelow's Osama bin Laden Movie

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Universal Pictures International said Tuesday that it has acquired international distribution rights to Kathryn Bigelow’s upcoming feature about the killing of Osama bin Laden.

our editor recommends

Kathryn Bigelow’s Osama bin Laden Movie Sparks Protests in India

Sundance 2012: Joel Edgerton on Avoiding Hollywood's 'Crap Movies' and His Hunt for Bin Laden With Kathryn Bigelow (Q&A)

'Hurt Locker' Lawsuit Dismissed, Mark Boal and Kathryn Bigelow React

PHOTOS: Oscar Shockers

UPI will distribute the film in the U.K., France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Scandinavia, South Africa and Spain. Sony Pictures will release the film stateside on Dec. 19.

The untitled project from Annapurna Pictures was written by Mark Boal, who teamed with Bigelow for the best picture Oscar winner The Hurt Locker.

The cast includes Jessica Chastain, Joel Edgerton, Fares Fares, Jason Clarke, Mark Strong, Edgar Ramirez, Chris Pratt, Kyle Chandler, Nash Edgerton, Jennifer Ehle and Harold Perrineau Jr.

Bigelow and Boal will produce alongside Megan Ellison of Annapurna. Greg Shapiro, Ted Schipper and Colin Wilson will serve as executive producers.

Rights were acquired from Panorama Media, which is serving as the film’s international sales agent.

Email: Daniel.Miller@THR.com

Twitter: @DanielNMiller