Los Angeles and London-based management and production company 42 (The Silent Twins, “The Flatshare”) announced today that Academy Award nominee Jonathan Pryce (The Two Popes, “The Crown”) joined double Academy Award nominee Steve Coogan in The Penguin Lessons, from two-time Academy Award nominated director Peter Cattaneo (The Full Monty, Military Wives). Vivian El Jaber, Bjorn Gustafsson, Alfonsina Carrocio, Micaela Breque, Tomas Pozzi and Ramiro Blas round out the cast, with principal photography recently wrapping in Spain.
In addition, Lionsgate has picked up UK rights to the picture. 42’s Rory Aitken and Ben Pugh are producing, while Intake Films and Rolling Dice will finance the film, alongside Aperture Media Partners. Nostromo’s Adrián Guerra and Andy Noble will also produce with Robert Walak. Intake Films’ Joshua Horsfield and Nia Vazirani for Rolling Dice will executive produce, alongside Jeff Pope, who wrote the screenplay, Josh Varney, Tom Michell, and Coogan. Rocket Science is handling international sales on the feature, while CAA Media Finance is representing the U.S. rights.
Based on Penguin Random House’s Times Top Ten bestselling book of the same name by Tom Michell, which sold in over 50 territories worldwide, The Penguin Lessons is the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976. Expecting an easy ride, he discovered instead a complicated and divided nation – and a class of practically unteachable young boys. However, when he finds a small penguin wad up on an oil slicked beach, his life is turned upside down – and the penguin becomes not only a valued friend, but also a teacher of life’s most important lessons, for Tom, the boys and, in fact, everyone he meets.
Jonathan Pryce is one of the most respected actors on stage and screen today, having received two Tony Awards, two Lawrence Olivier Awards, and a knighthood for his contributions to drama. Pryce is best known for his turns in HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” Martin Scorsese’s romance The Age of Innocence, Björn Runge’s The Wife opposite Glenn Close, and 2019’s The Two Popes, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA. He can next be seen portraying ‘Prince Phillip’ in Netflix’s hit series “The Crown,” now showing its final season, as well as Apple’s critically-acclaimed series “Slow Horses.”
42’s Rory Aitken and Ben Pugh said “We are delighted that the legend Jonathan Pryce is joining us to bring this wonderful story to life, alongside the brilliant leading role played by Steve Coogan, and supported by a penguin. We are thrilled to be working with our partners at Intake Films, Rolling Dice and Nostromo, and to have Lionsgate distributing this film in the UK.”
Lionsgate’s Marie-Claire Benson added “We’re sure UK audiences will be delighted and uplifted by this heart-warming story of a man who befriends a penguin. Jonathan Pryce was an excellent choice to bring on board to complete the line-up and we look forward to working with 42 & Nostromo Pictures as we plan for the release in UK cinemas.”
Pryce is represented by Julian Belfrage Associates and Anonymous Content.
42 is home to the world’s leading storytellers who impact and shape culture through original and ground-breaking content. The company’s management division represents an eclectic range of high profile and emerging actors, writers, directors, producers, and casting directors.