The filmmakers behind one of the year's best films, Everything Everywhere All At Once, have signed an exclusive long-term deal with Universal, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Directors Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who together make up the filmmaking duo known as Daniels, and their longtime producer Jonathan Wong, have reportedly signed on for a five-year partnership with the studio.
While Kwan and Scheinert are best known for their indie films, the duo got their start directing visually striking music videos, including the viral video for DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s “Turn Down for What.” Their feature debut came in 2016 with the absurdist dark comedy Swiss Amy Man, which stars actor Paul Dano as a man stranded on a desert island who befriends a flatulent corpse played by Daniel Radcliffe.
More recently they directed the hit sci-fi action film starring Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All At Once, which received universal acclaim and just passed the 100-million dollar mark. Both films were released by indie studio A24, with Everything Everywhere All At Once becoming the company's highest-grossing film to date. Going forward the duo is set to direct and executive produce the half-hour comedy Mason starring comedian Nathan Min, for A24 and Showtime.
“Daniels are creators who have evolved their craft with a distinct vision and singular voice that is unmistakable across the spectrum of content vying for viewer’s attention,” said Donna Langley, chairman of Universal film group. “Their films are remarkably theatrical and with only two original projects under their belts, they’ve merely scratched the surface of what they are capable of as filmmakers. We’re grateful they’ve chosen to go on their journey with us.” In response to the news, the Daniels said “We’re flattered, grateful, and a bit overwhelmed. Thanks to Donna, Jimmy, Peter, Michael and their whole Universal team for believing in us and our weird movies. To all the fans, thanks for making our careers possible, we’re gonna try to not let you down.”
Universal previously signed filmmaker Jordan Peele to a five-year exclusive deal in 2019 after having partnered with the director on his Oscar-winning feature debut, Get Out, and his follow-up, Us. Peele's most recent film, Nope, is the first film the director has made under this new deal, which has currently grossed $80 million at the domestic box office. Considering how unique and ambitious Peele's latest film is, Daniels should find themselves right at home producing films for Universal. Hopefully the duo will find as much, if not more creative freedom as they did with A24.
Everything Everywhere All At Once is currently available to purchase on digital streaming platforms and on Blu-ray and DVD.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter