A24 Wins Bidding War for ‘Club Kid’ After Breakout Cannes Un Certain Regard Premiere
'Club Kid' - Courtesy Cannes Film Festival
A24 has secured global rights to Jordan Firstman’s Club Kid following a heated Cannes bidding war that saw multiple major distributors compete for one of the festival’s breakout titles.
A24 is officially taking Club Kid home from the afters.
Jordan Firstman’s dramedy, an official selection in this year’s Cannes Film Festival, has closed a major global rights deal worth $17 million following a highly competitive weekend of bidding in the South of France, according to multiple sources.
The film, financed and produced by Topic Studios alongside co-financing from Stay Gold, drew immediate attention following its Friday premiere in the Un Certain Regard section, quickly emerging as one of the most in-demand titles of the festival market.
Early interest reportedly came from a wide field of buyers including Mubi, Focus Features, Searchlight Pictures, A24, and Netflix, all of whom submitted initial seven-figure offers before the price escalated sharply across the weekend. Warner Bros.’ new indie label Clockwork also showed interest but exited early in the process, while Neon was briefly considered a potential suitor before stepping back due to an already packed 2026 slate.
The final deal landed at $17 million, marking one of the first major breakout sales of the 2026 Cannes market — a year notably lighter on traditional studio-driven bidding wars due to several high-profile titles arriving at the festival with distribution already in place.
Firstman, who wrote, directed, and stars in the film, leads Club Kid as a washed-up New York party promoter forced to confront adulthood when the 10-year-old son he never knew arrives at his doorstep. The story tracks his collision between a long-dissolved nightlife identity and the sudden responsibility of fatherhood, set against the backdrop of the city’s club scene.
POPULAR ON THE CINEMA GROUP
The film also stars Cara Delevingne, Diego Calva, and newcomer Reggie Absolom, expanding its ensemble around Firstman’s central performance.
Production is led by Academy Award-winner Alex Coco (Anora) and Galen Core (Lurker), alongside Topic Studios’ Ryan Heller and Michael Bloom. Firstman also serves as an executive producer with Ian Stratford, Charles Croft, and Jasmine Daghighian for Topic, Olmo Schnabel, and Daniela Taplin.
A24 will take worldwide rights, continuing its aggressive festival acquisition strategy following recent competition-heavy titles. International distribution will be structured through A24’s established partners, including Leonine in Germany and Austria and Nordisk Film in Scandinavia.
The deal was negotiated by UTA Independent Film Group with international sales assistance from Charades.
With Club Kid, A24 adds one of Cannes’ most closely watched breakout films to its slate, further reinforcing its position as one of the most active and competitive buyers on the festival circuit.
| FEATURES | INTERVIEWS | REVIEWS | The Catalogue | TRENDING | TRAILERS | VIDEOS |
