TIFF Discovery opening night selection ‘Maddie’s Secret’ lands US deal

Magnolia Pictures has acquired US rights to John Early’s Maddie’s Secret after the comedy premiered as opening night of Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

Early stars in the titular role as Maddie, a plucky dishwasher who leaps to viral superstardom at a trendy food content creation company.

While her life seems picturesque perfect, mounting professional pressures reawaken Maddie’s dormant struggle with an eating disorder. Unwilling to shatter her image, she unravels in secret, threatening her relationships and her life. The cast includes Eric Rahill, Kate Berlant and Kristen Johnston.

Harris Mayersohn produced for Dogma 3000, alongside Luca Intili, and Early. Executive producers are Chris Quintos Cathcart and Tyler Boehm for Unapologetic Projects, Hannah Dweck and Theodore Schaefer for Dweck Productions, Sarah Herrman for Whetstone Pictures, Deb Tam for Radish, Matthew Rosenthal, and Marissa Heringer.

Magnolia Pictures SVP of acquisitions John Von Thaden negotiated the deal with UTA Independent Film Group on behalf of the filmmakers and plans a 2026 theatrical release.

• Neon, Universal Pictures Content Group acquire Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Epic: Elvis Presley In Concert’