Alchemy has acquired the political drama starring Nicolas Cage, while in a separate deal BBC Worldwide North America will present the theatrical premiere of We Come As Friends.

Nicolas Cage

Austin Stark directed The Runner, about an ideaological politician who confronts hard truths about his dysfunctional life.

Sarah Paulson, Connie Nielsen, Wendell Pierce, Bryan Batt and Peter Fonda round out the key cast.

Alchemy plans to release The Runner later this year.

Bingo Gubelmann, Benji Kohn, Glenn Williamson, Erika Hampson and Chris Papavasiliou produced, while the executive producer roster includes Noah Millman, Ruth Mutch, Sam Bisbee, Tom Conigliaro, Galt Niederhoffer and Todd Cohen.

Alchemy vp of acquisitions Jeff Deutchman negotiated the North American deal with WME Global and Alan Sacks of Frankfurt, Kurnit, Klein & Selz PC. Fortitude International handles international sales.

  • BBC Worldwide North America will present the worldwide theatrical premiere of We Come As Friends from documentarian Hubert Sauper at the IFC Center in New York on August 14 prior to nationwide roll-out. The film premiered in Sundance and delves into the heart of Africa. Gabriele Kranzelbinder and Sauper produced.