The project is being kept closely under wraps but industry insiders said the U.K.'s FilmFour is expected to take U.K. distribution rights and also is tipped to take selected international sales rights outside North America. Sources indicated that Miramax and New Line are both closely tracking the film, which is still in postproduction and is due for release in Thailand on Aug. 12. Brad Renfro and Clifton Collins Jr.
Shooting is slated to begin next month.
The title refers to a picnic for inmates imprisoned for life. Renfro would play Malone's brother, while Collins would play an inmate who meets the family at the picnic only to have eyes for one of the family members. The project begins shooting in March. Butler marks the first piece of casting for the film, which is a time-travel story about a group of young grad school scientists who need to go back to the 14th century via a time machine to rescue their mentor, Professor Johnston. Butler will play the lead role of Andre Marek, a site manager on an archaeological dig in France who is recruited to go back and save the professor.