AceShowbiz - The Shitheads, a dark comedy road trip film written and directed by Macon Blair, has been picked up by IFC for U.S. distribution. The announcement came on a Thursday shortly after the film's successful world premiere at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, where it garnered positive reception.

The movie centers on two "unqualified bozos," played by Dave Franco and O'Shea Jackson Jr., who are tasked with transporting a wealthy teenager, portrayed by Mason Thames of The Black Phone fame, to a rehab facility. What begins as a straightforward job quickly descends into chaos and danger, blending dark humor with unpredictable twists.

Alongside the leads, the ensemble cast includes notable actors such as Kiernan Shipka, known for Industry Season 4, Nicholas Braun from Succession, and Peter Dinklage, famed for his role in Game of Thrones. Macon Blair’s direction in The Shitheads marks his third feature film, following 2023’s The Toxic Avenger and the 2017 film I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore. This project also reunites Blair with Dinklage, who starred in the Toxic Avenger reboot directed by Blair.

The film is produced by Dave Franco, with O'Shea Jackson Jr. serving as an executive producer. IFC plans to release The Shitheads in U.S. theaters during the upcoming summer months, aiming to bring its unique brand of comedy to a wider audience.

Mark Ward, Chief Acquisition Officer of RLJE, a division of IFC Entertainment Group, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, noting the film’s alignment with classic buddy road trip comedies. He highlighted that such films "have a special place in moviegoing history" due to their boldness, wild energy, and communal viewing appeal. Ward emphasized that The Shitheads captures the fun of this genre and praised IFC’s role in reviving this theatrical experience.

Macon Blair also commented on the partnership with IFC, calling the company "the perfect home" for the film. He described IFC as seasoned professionals and true film enthusiasts who creatively connect audiences with offbeat entertainment like The Shitheads. Blair acknowledged the importance of finding a distributor that could handle the film’s unique tone and said IFC fits that role perfectly.

Following its Sundance debut, The Shitheads has received largely positive reviews, solidifying its status as one of the festival’s breakout hits. The film’s acquisition is part of a broader trend this year, where several Sundance titles have quickly secured distribution deals.

In other Sundance distribution news, Sony Pictures Classics recently acquired U.S. rights for Noah Segan’s crime thriller The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, starring John Turturro. Additionally, Sumerian Pictures secured domestic rights to the psychological thriller Josephine, led by Channing Tatum and Genna Chan, which won both audience and jury prizes at the festival.

With IFC’s backing, The Shitheads is positioned to join this wave of Sundance successes, aiming to captivate audiences with its dark humor and chaotic adventure when it hits theaters later this summer.