Specialist US distributor First Look Pictures has picked up My Kingdom, a modernistic re-telling of the King Lear story, that was the last leading role for acting legend Richard Harris who died last week.

The picture, bought from sister company Overseas Filmgroup, will be given a US release on Dec 6, in time to qualify for an Oscar run. It had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.

The deal was announced by First Look Pictures president, MJ Peckos. Other recent deals by First Look include the acquisition of Roberta Torre's Director's Fortnight film Angela, and another Toronto title Autumn Spring by Vladimir Michalek. It recently released Chris Eyre's Skins, Peter Naess' Elling and Bille August's A Song For Martin.

The Don Boyd-directed My Kingdom also stars Jimi Mistry, Lynn Redgrave, Tom Bell and Emma Catherwood. The role won Harris the award for outstanding contribution by an actor at last night's British Independent Film Awards.

Producer Neal Weisman said: "Richard Harris was a great actor. He provided sensitive and intelligent input to the script. And from the very first moment on set was in character."