The Acolyte’s Manny Jacinto and Andor’s Fiona Shaw will team up with Ben Foster for The Stalemate, an absurdist Western comedy from first-time feature filmmaker Nicholas Arioli, who’s directing from his own script.
Currently in production in Santa Fe, New Mexico, The Stalemate focuses on a robber (Jacinto) and sheriff (Foster) who, out of bullets and far from town, must negotiate their way out of an absurd, unending chase in the Old West.
“I spent many years writing this completely absurd movie,” Arioli said, “and I’m honored to work with such an incredible team who are as excited as I am to bring it to life. The Stalemate is part wacky buddy comedy, part poignant Western elegy – and just straight up a ton of fun. We can’t wait to share it!”
Producers of the film are Molly Conners and Amanda Bowers of Phiphen, Andrew Bosworth of Warden Shortbow, and Cari Tuna. Executive producers include Richard J. Berthy, Jane Sinisi, Linda L. Berthy, Wilson Rivas and Alex Spatt of Phiphen, Serkan Piantino, Emma Thorne, Annabel Teal, Foster, Christine Yi and Brian Nemes of Gold House, Jimmy Price and Javier Gonzalez.
Said producer Conners of Phiphen, “From the moment we read Nick’s script, we knew The Stalemate was something special. It’s rare to find a story that’s this fearless, this funny, and this full of heart. We’re proud to be supporting Nick with such a strong voice—and thrilled to be making this ride of a movie in Santa Fe.”
Stream The Acolyte and Andor on Disney+ now.
