Aaron Pierre to Star in ‘FAIRYTALE IN NEW YORK’ From ‘SISU’ Director Jalmari Helander for Netflix
Aaron Pierre to Star in ‘FAIRYTALE IN NEW YORK’ From ‘SISU’ Director Jalmari Helander for Netflix and Lionsgate
Aaron Pierre is set to star in FAIRYTALE IN NEW YORK, a new action thriller from SISU director Jalmari Helander, with Netflix acquiring distribution rights and Lionsgate producing the project. The deal follows a competitive bidding process that brought the two companies together for a Christmas Eve revenge story set against the backdrop of New York City.
According to Deadline, the film is based on an original screenplay by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani, who previously collaborated with Helander on the upcoming JOHN RAMBO prequel.
FAIRYTALE IN NEW YORK follows an unassuming New York City taxi driver whose Christmas Eve takes a violent turn when a priceless gift intended for his estranged son is stolen.
Determined to recover the gift, the cab driver embarks on a relentless night of vengeance, setting the stage for an action thriller built around family conflict, personal redemption and escalating confrontations throughout the city.
The premise introduces a holiday setting to the revenge-driven storytelling associated with Helander's previous work, particularly his SISU films, which established the Finnish filmmaker's reputation for stylized violence, dark humor and resourceful protagonists facing overwhelming opposition.
Helander previously worked with Lionsgate on SISU and its sequel, making FAIRYTALE IN NEW YORK the director's third collaboration with the studio.
The project also reunites him with Haines and Noshirvani, whose screenplay for JOHN RAMBO will reach theaters in summer 2027.
Beau Flynn will produce through FlynnPictureCo, with Kevin King Templeton producing for Templeton Media.
Haines and Noshirvani will serve as executive producers alongside Scott Sheldon of FlynnPictureCo.
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group President Erin Westerman emphasized the established relationships among the filmmakers and production partners as an important factor in bringing the project together.
"There's nothing better than bringing together great creative partners with whom you already have a history of success," Westerman said in the announcement.
She also pointed to Lionsgate's recent collaboration with Netflix on WAR MACHINE and the studio's continued relationship with Helander.
"He's an exceptional filmmaker with a distinctive ability to deliver visceral, memorable action while never losing sight of character and emotion," Westerman said.
The executive also highlighted Pierre's screen presence and ability to balance physically demanding roles with emotionally driven performances.
For Pierre, FAIRYTALE IN NEW YORK continues a growing slate of action-oriented projects following his breakout performance in Jeremy Saulnier's REBEL RIDGE.
Released through Netflix, REBEL RIDGE introduced Pierre to a wider audience through his portrayal of Terry Richmond, a former Marine confronting corruption in a small Louisiana town.
The film combined grounded action with political and institutional tension, giving Pierre a leading role that emphasized both physical intensity and controlled dramatic performance.
Pierre subsequently expanded his involvement in major franchise productions with HBO's LANTERNS, portraying DC Comics character John Stewart opposite Kyle Chandler.
The series became one of HBO's prominent dramas of 2026, further establishing Pierre's presence in high-profile television productions.
He also appeared in Amazon MGM Studios' LOVE OF YOUR LIFE, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.
His upcoming schedule includes a return as John Stewart in DC Studios' MAN OF TOMORROW, along with a role in STAR WARS: STARFIGHTER, the forthcoming franchise installment starring Ryan Gosling.
FAIRYTALE IN NEW YORK adds another leading action role to that lineup while offering Pierre an opportunity to work with a director whose films have frequently centered on determined individuals confronting seemingly impossible odds.
Helander, meanwhile, recently completed production on JOHN RAMBO, a prequel to the long-running action franchise starring Noah Centineo.
The film is scheduled for theatrical release on June 4, 2027.
His previous films include the original SISU, which followed a former soldier and gold prospector fighting Nazi soldiers during the final stages of World War II, and its sequel.
Helander's approach to action filmmaking frequently incorporates heightened physical confrontations, minimal dialogue and protagonists whose persistence becomes central to the narrative.
FAIRYTALE IN NEW YORK appears positioned to continue that approach while introducing a more contemporary urban setting and a family-centered motivation for its central character.
The Christmas Eve backdrop also places the film within a recognizable tradition of holiday-set action thrillers, where festive surroundings contrast with violent confrontations and escalating criminal activity.
Although the screenplay's premise has been disclosed, additional details concerning the supporting cast, specific antagonists and the film's intended tone have not been announced.
The agreement between Netflix and Lionsgate was finalized by Helen Lee-Kim, President of International for the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
Michael Meyer negotiated the deal on Lionsgate's behalf, while Dan Freedman handled Pierre's agreement.
James Myers and Pavan Kalidindi will oversee production for Lionsgate.
The acquisition represents another collaboration between Netflix and Lionsgate following WAR MACHINE, which achieved significant viewership on the streaming platform.
For Netflix, the project adds a recognizable action filmmaker and an increasingly prominent leading actor to its upcoming original film lineup.
For Lionsgate, it continues the studio's relationship with Helander while expanding its partnership with the streaming service.
FAIRYTALE IN NEW YORK is currently in development, with no production start date or Netflix premiere date announced.
Additional casting and release information is expected as the project moves toward filming.
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