Bleecker Street has secured U.S. rights to ‘NDA,’ a psychological thriller featuring Rachel Zegler, Penn Badgley, and Amy Ryan, directed by Audrey Ellis Fox.
New Delhi, India Jul 8, 2026 ALN: Bleecker Street has acquired U.S. rights to the psychological thriller, “NDA,” starring Golden Globe winner Rachel Zegler (“West Side Story,” “Evita”), Penn Badgley (“You”) and Academy Award nominee Amy Ryan (“Gone Baby Gone,” “The Wire”). The film, which is currently in production in New York, is Audrey Ellis Fox’s debut feature. The acquisition marks a significant step for Bleecker Street, a company known for distributing independent films that often tackle complex themes and feature strong performances.
The film’s narrative centers around Zegler’s character, Dana, who finds herself embroiled in a tense mediation regarding an office harassment claim she has filed. The logline explains: “As the clock ticks towards an immutable deadline, she questions the price of her silence, sanity, and the truth.” This premise sets the stage for a psychological exploration of power dynamics in the workplace, the impact of harassment, and the broader implications of silence in the face of wrongdoing.
Audrey Ellis Fox expressed her excitement about the project, stating, “I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Rachel, Penn, Amy, Bleecker, and the rest of this exceptional team to bring my film to screen.” Her original script for the film was featured on the 2024 Black List, a prestigious annual list that recognizes the most popular unproduced screenplays in Hollywood. This recognition not only highlights the script’s quality but also positions Fox as a promising new voice in the film industry. She further elaborated, “’NDA’ is a story about power and perception, and it’s incredibly exciting to work with partners who so fiercely believe in its vision.” This statement underscores the collaborative nature of filmmaking, particularly in a genre that often relies on nuanced performances and strong narrative structure.
“NDA” will be produced by a diverse team of industry veterans. Jared Ian Goldman and Zola Elgart Glassman, representing Mighty Engine, will lead the production efforts alongside Keith Calder and Jess Wu Calder from SNOOT, Caitlin Gold of Tanbark Pictures, and Daniel Ginsberg from In The Cut Productions. The executive production team includes Bleecker Street CEO Kent Sanderson, Tyler DiNapoli, Miranda King, and Christian Hall. Sanderson remarked, “‘NDA’ was one of the best scripts I’ve read and is exactly the kind of bold, filmmaker-driven cinema we’re passionate about championing.” His comment reflects Bleecker Street’s commitment to supporting innovative storytelling and fresh talent in the film industry.
While “NDA” marks Ellis Fox’s feature debut, she is no stranger to the world of filmmaking. She has an impressive background as a narrative and commercial filmmaker, having directed projects for high-profile brands such as Nike, Netflix, McLaren, Gatorade, Amazon, Nestle, and Adidas. This experience has likely equipped her with a strong understanding of visual storytelling and audience engagement. Additionally, Ellis Fox has collaborated with notable talents including Salma Hayek, Hailey Bieber, and Simu Liu, showcasing her versatility and ability to work across different genres and formats. Her script for “NDA” was selected for the Women in Film X Black List’s Feature Residency program in 2023, a testament to her talent and the importance of supporting female filmmakers in an industry that has historically been male-dominated.
Rachel Zegler’s rise to prominence began with her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of “West Side Story,” for which she received critical acclaim and a Golden Globe award. Following this success, she has taken on a of roles, including her participation in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes” and Disney’s live-action “Snow White.” Zegler has also showcased her talents on stage, most recently in the musical “Evita,” for which she earned the Olivier Award for best actress. She is set to reprise this role on Broadway in 2027, further solidifying her status as a multifaceted performer. Additionally, she will appear in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s film adaptation of the musical “Octet” and the forthcoming dramedy “She Gets It from Me,” indicating her growing influence in both film and theater.
Penn Badgley is best known for his role as Joe Goldberg in the Netflix thriller series “You,” where he skillfully portrayed a complex character that garnered both admiration and controversy. Badgley not only starred in the series but also made his directorial debut during its five-season run, showcasing his versatility as an artist. Beyond acting, he has produced and co-hosted the podcast “Podcrushed,” which discusses the experiences of young adults. His upcoming projects include the romantic comedy “You Deserve Each Other,” where he will star alongside Meghann Fahy, further expanding his repertoire in the entertainment industry.
Amy Ryan, celebrated for her Oscar-nominated performance in “Gone Baby Gone,” has built a diverse filmography that includes critically acclaimed films such as “Birdman,” “Bridge of Spies,” “Beautiful Boy,” and “Beau Is Afraid.” On television, she has gained recognition for her roles in popular series such as “The Office,” “The Wire,” “In Treatment,” and “Only Murders in the Building.” Ryan’s ability to transition seamlessly between film and television highlights her adaptability as an actress. She is set to appear in Oscar winner Tom McCarthy’s next film, “A Statement,” demonstrating her continued relevance in a rapidly evolving industry.
With a talented cast and a compelling narrative, “NDA” promises to be a significant addition to the psychological thriller genre. As production continues, anticipation grows for this film that tackles themes of power, perception, and the complexities of truth. The film’s exploration of workplace harassment and the struggles faced by individuals in such situations is particularly relevant in today’s societal context, where discussions around these issues have gained prominence. The collaboration between a promising director and a stellar cast suggests that “NDA” may not only entertain but also provoke thought and discussion among audiences. As the film progresses towards its release, it will be interesting to see how it resonates with viewers and contributes to ongoing conversations about power dynamics in contemporary society.
To learn more about the latest developments in Movies, stay updated with our exclusive reports and analyses on AiLensNews.
