Netflix, Lionsgate Team on Helander's Fairytale In New York
Netflix and Lionsgate are collaborating on the action thriller Fairytale In New York, directed by Jalmari Helander and starring Aaron Pierre, following a competitive auction.
Lionsgate and Netflix have teamed up for a new action thriller titled Fairytale In New York, with Jalmari Helander directing and Aaron Pierre starring. The deal followed a competitive auction, with Netflix considered the best fit to distribute the film while Lionsgate produces. This marks the third collaboration between Helander and Lionsgate, following the release of both Sisu films.
Helander recently wrapped production on the prequel John Rambo starring Noah Centineo, which bows on June 4, 2027. Aaron Pierre, who had his breakout role in the Netflix hit Rebel Ridge, is attached to star. Helen Lee-Kim, president of International for the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, closed the deal with Netflix, with Lionsgate’s Michael Meyer handling negotiations.
Story Premise
The film is set on Christmas Eve in New York City. It follows an unassuming cabbie who embarks on a relentless night of vengeance after his estranged son’s priceless gift is stolen.
Creative Team
The film is based on an original spec script by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani. Helander and Haines previously worked together on Helander’s upcoming John Rambo film, reuniting for this project.
Production Details
Beau Flynn will produce for FlynnPictureCo and Kevin King Templeton will produce for Templeton Media. Haines and Noshirvani will executive produce with Scott Sheldon of FlynnPictureCo. James Myers and Pavan Kalidindi will oversee production for Lionsgate.
Cast and Representation
Aaron Pierre is coming off a strong 2026. He was recently seen in the Amazon MGM film Love Of Your Life, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, and had a role in the HBO series Lanterns, one of the network's biggest dramas of that year. His upcoming schedule is packed with high-profile projects.
Pierre is represented by WME, Entertainment 360 and B-Side Management, with Dan Freedman negotiating his deal for this film. Erin Westerman, Lionsgate Motion Group President, praised Helander’s ability to deliver action while keeping character and emotion in focus. She described Pierre as a strong match for the director, citing his screen presence, charisma, and emotional depth.
The collaboration aims to leverage recent successes for both companies. Lionsgate previously released the two Sisu films and produced War Machine, which broke onto Netflix’s Most Popular Movies List. Netflix will distribute Fairytale In New York, securing the project after the competitive auction.
