Roadside Attractions and Vertical have locked in the first major U.S. acquisition from the Toronto International Film Festival before TIFF even officially opens on September 10. The distributors partnered to secure "Babies," a world premiere written and directed by Lauren Miller Rogen, with plans for a theatrical release in 2027.
The film centers on a married couple navigating the complexities of parenthood and partnership. Seth Rogen and Anna Kendrick star in the comedy, which marks a significant early pickup for the festival circuit. TIFF serves as a crucial launching pad for independent and mid-budget films seeking U.S. distribution, making this a competitive win for both distributors.
The deal represents confidence in Miller Rogen's directorial vision and the commercial appeal of the leads. Rogen, who has balanced acting with producing and investing in cannabis ventures through Houseplant, brings name recognition and a dedicated fanbase. Kendrick, fresh from her resurgence in the "Pitch Perfect" franchise and her acclaimed work in horror and drama, continues to diversify her portfolio with comedic material. Together, they offer the kind of star power that studios and distributors rely on for mid-budget theatrical releases.
Roadside Attractions specializes in indie and prestige films, having distributed titles like "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and "Clouds," while maintaining strong theatrical relationships. Vertical, formerly known as Vertical Entertainment, operates across distribution and production, handling releases across theatrical, streaming, and international markets. The partnership combines their respective theatrical expertise and distribution networks.
The 2027 release date suggests the film remains in post-production or early finishing stages, typical for TIFF acquisitions that need additional editorial work before theatrical rollout. This timeline gives the distributors nearly two years to position the film within the marketplace, coordinate marketing campaigns, and secure optimal theatrical placements.
Miller Rogen's directorial efforts have grown increasingly visible in recent years. Her work behind the camera, combined with the chemistry between Rogen and Kendrick, positions "Babies" as a potential crowd-pleaser in the crowded comedy space. The film's focus on marriage and parenthood taps into themes that resonate with adult audiences, a demographic Hollywood continues to pursue as streaming platforms absorb younger viewers.
TIFF acquisitions typically generate momentum for films seeking theatrical viability. Early buys signal distributor confidence and can influence how films are positioned during awards season conversations, though "Babies" appears positioned as a commercial release rather than an awards play.
The deal also reflects ongoing industry appetite for comedy content with established talent. Following the success of films like "Heretic" and continued demand for character-driven comedies, distributors remain bullish on mid-budget offerings that combine recognizable names with fresh creative voices. Miller Rogen's involvement as writer-director adds auteur credibility while the cast provides commercial insurance.
For TIFF, the early acquisition demonstrates the festival's continued relevance as a marketplace event where deals materialize quickly and competing distributors bid aggressively for promising projects.