First Look at Neil Burger’s ‘Barracuda’ Starring Anthony Mackie and Dafne Keen

Film markets and distribution deals play a crucial role in how new movies reach global audiences. Even before a film wraps up production, rights are often sold to various regions, and first-look images are typically shared to generate early buzz.

This is true for Barracuda, an action thriller currently in production that is already garnering significant international interest.

Highland Film Group has released the first official image from the film, along with details about several major distribution agreements. Directed by Neil Burger, known for Limitless and The Illusionist, the film stars Anthony Mackie and Dafne Keen.

The film is also backed by executive producer Robert Zemeckis, as noted by Highland Film Group. Production is currently taking place in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

Barracuda tells the story of a former smuggler who attempts to rescue a kidnapped teenager. This leads to a high-speed chase across the desert, with the duo escaping in a stolen 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. The car belongs to a menacing club owner, raising the stakes as the chase intensifies.

Highland Film Group has confirmed that Amazon has secured distribution rights for several key territories, including the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Benelux, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Additional regional deals have been established across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and parts of South America through various distributors.

The cast also features Steven Bauer, Anthony Del Negro, and Don Worley. The screenplay is penned by Adam Mason and Simon Boyes.

Produced by Jack Rapke and Aaron Rapke for Image Movers, along with Arianne Fraser, Delphine Perrier, and Henry Winterstern for Highland Film Group, the project is co-financed by Highland and Aperture Media Partners, with UTA Independent Film Group managing worldwide rights for the US market.

Highland Film Group COO Delphine Perrier remarked on the production, stating: “This is a big, bold project driven by visceral action sequences shot in real life – production is going very well and the footage looks incredible.”

Barracuda is still in production, with more updates anticipated as filming progresses.

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