September 11, 2014 - 15:02 AMT
Saban Films picks up “The Forger” John Travolta art-heist drama

Saban Films has acquired U.S. rights to John Travolta’s art-heist drama “The Forger” for over $2 million — two days before its world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, Variety said.

It’s the third major acquisition for the five-month-old distributor, which bought the Tommy Lee Jones-Hilary Swank Western “The Homesman” at Cannes and then snagged Taylor Lautner’s “Tracers” at Toronto.

“The Forger” has been screening for buyers this week in Toronto. A24 and The Weinstein Co. also made bids.

Travolta stars as art forger released from prison to spend time with his dying son (Tye Sheridan), but is forced into taking part in a heist. Christopher Plummer, Abigail Spencer and Jennifer Ehle co-star.

Philip Martin directed from a script by Richard D’Ovidio. “The Forger” was shot in Boston late last year.

News was first reported by THR.com.