Open Road nabs U.S. rights to 'Outrun'

Open Road Films has acquired all U.S. rights to the romantic action comedy"Outrun,"starring,written and co-directed by Dax Shepard. Cast included Kristen Bell, BradleyCooper, Tom Arnold, Beau Bridges, Kristin Chenoweth, David Koechner, Michael Rosenbaum, Joy Bryant and Ryan Hansen. David Palmer co-directed with Shepard. Theannouncement was madeFriday by Tom Ortenberg, CEO of Open Road Films. Exclusive Media Group acquired international rights to "Outrun," currently in post-production, during the American Film Market earlier this month. Producers are Andrew Panay, Nate Tuck, Kim Waltrip and Jim Casey. Shepard plays an ex-getaway driver living under an assumed identity in central California. He agrees to break the rules of his witness protection and drive his girlfriend (played by Bell) to Los Angeles so that she can land her dream job. When the authorities and his former gang (led by Cooper's character) learn he is back behind the wheel, they hit the road to chase him down. Open Road plans to open "Outrun" next year but hasn't set a date. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com