The Peasant: A24 acquires global distribution rights for Dev Patel's upcoming action thriller and here's what we know so far

Dev Patel is back with A24 for his latest directorial. Titled The Peasant, the project was revealed a few weeks ago under Patel's helm. Patel co-writes, acts, and directs this feature film set in the Indian diaspora.

The Peasant marks his second directorial feature after 2024's Monkey Man, also set in India. It brings him back as a triple threat with another revenge action thriller that is considered to be in the style of John Wick. His Monkey Man, which received an overwhelmingly positive reception, was also touted to be inspired by the Keanu Reeves-led film.

Both films are co-produced by Thunder Road Pictures, which also backed the John Wick projects. They are joined by Fifth Season, which backed gripping thriller shows like Severance and Tokyo Vice, along with Patel's own Minor Realm production banner.

What is the story of Dev Patel's The Peasant?

According to the reports, Dev Patel's latest directorial is said to combine the elements of Braveheart and John Wick with a narrative set in Feudal India. It will feature medieval knights on the notes of King Arthur.

Per Deadline, its synopsis reads,

"Set in the 1300s, it centers on a shepherd who embarks on a rage-fueled campaign against a group of mercenary knights who ransacked his community, revealing himself to be more than he seems."

Patel is not new to working in this setting. He has already worked on his Monkey Man set in the same location and has starred in David Lowery's fantasy drama The Green Knight, which used a period setting. The latter has a connection with King Arthur since he played the king's young nephew, Sir Gawain.

The Peasant marks his second collaboration with A24, which has just bagged its worldwide distribution rights, Deadline reports. The sources also reveal that CAA Media Finance brokered this deal along with other producers at the Cannes Film Market.

Was Dev Patel's The Peasant script a part of Black List?

"Le Grand Diner du Louvre" Cocktail - Source: Getty

Yes, before Dev Patel became a part of the project, The Peasant script was a part of the 2023 Black List. It was written by Will Dunn, a screenwriter who has worked in the writing team of Marvel's Ms. Marvel. His script was set in an Italian setting, and its characters were reportedly connected to the Pope.

However, with Patel's collaboration, The Peasant has changed its creative direction to set it in the Indian subcontinent. The producers are also hoping to turn it into a franchise.

Does it have a release date yet?

No, Dev Patel's The Peasant is yet to enter the production stage, so it doesn't have a release date yet. There are no reports on its production schedule either.

It will depend on his other commitments, like The Journeyman, a thriller set in the world of Tennis, directed by Tarsem Singh (The Fall, The Cell). Per Deadline, it is supposed to enter the production stage in 2025.

Where did we see Dev Patel the last time?

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Dev Patel recently starred in the lead role in Bryn Chainey's British psychological folk horror film Rabbit Trap, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. It is yet to receive a wider release.

Before that, Patel was a part of the ensemble cast for Wes Anderson's anthology film The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Three More, streaming on Netflix. He has famously starred in Oscar-nominated films such as Garth Davis' Lion (2016) and Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire (2008).