“Lady Bird” is set to take flight. Deadline reports that A24 has snagged worldwide distribution rights to Greta Gerwig’s solo directorial debut, and the company seems to see awards potential in the comedy. A fall release is planned in partnership with IAC Films, indicating that “Lady Bird” may be a contender at the 2018 Academy Awards.
Gerwig penned the script for the film, which sees “Brooklyn” star and Oscar nominee Saoirse Ronan playing a Sacramento-based teenager who dreams of attending college in New York City.
“Lady Bird’s” supporting cast includes Laurie Metcalf (“The Big Bang Theory”), Lucas Hedges (“Manchester by the Sea”), and Tracy Letts (“Divorce”).
Gerwig co-wrote — and starred in — 2012’s “Frances Ha” and 2015's “Mistress America” with Noah Baumbach, who directed both comedies. She also co-wrote and co-directed 2008’s “Nights and Weekends” with Joe Swanberg.
When asked about her work with Baumbach, who is also her partner, Gerwig said, “I don’t mean to sound annoying, but I would have done it anyway. I will find that one door and then push it wide open,” she explained. “I’m lucky to find collaborators and kindred spirits. But I don’t need a man, and I would have done it anyway.”
“20th Century Women,” “Jackie,” and “Maggie’s Plan” are among Gerwig’s recent acting credits. She’s signed on to star in Mia Hansen-Løve’s English-language debut, “Bergman Island.” Scheduled to shoot next summer, the film is set on the Swedish island of Faro — the home of the film’s namesake, late director Ingmar Bergman — and centers on a couple, both of whom are filmmakers.
