Ron Perlman, Vinnie Jones’ THE BIG UGLY Hits US Theaters On July 31

Vertical Entertainment has acquired the North American and UK distribution rights to action thriller The Big Ugly starring Vinnie Jones (Snatch, Gone in 60 Seconds), Ron Perlman (Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy), and Malcolm McDowell (A Clockwork Orange, Halloween). The film is written, directed, and produced by Scott Wiper (The Condemned) with Vinnie Jones also serving as producer. Also starring Nicholas Braun (Succession, How To Be Single), Leven Rambin (The Hunger Games, Percy Jackson: Seas of Monsters), Bruce McGill (Lincoln, National Lampoon’s Animal House), Lenora Crichlow (Fast Girls, Deception) and Joelle Carter (Justified, High Fidelity). The film will first release in UK theaters and VOD on July 24^th and a week later in US theaters and on VOD on July 31^st.  

Neeyln (Vinnie Jones) has always been the loyal enforcer for crime boss Harris (Malcolm McDowell) back in London, taking care of problems and people that disrupt his illicit business. When Harris strikes a deal with an old friend – American oilman Preston (Ron Perlman) – they find themselves in the wild hills of West Virginia. Contracts are signed and the whiskey flows in celebration, but overnight Neelyn’s girlfriend disappears, last seen with Preston’s wayward son Junior. Lines are drawn between family and friends, but nothing will stop Neelyn from getting answers — and retribution.

“It was more than a movie for us to make. (My late wife) Tanya was our staunch supporter on The Big Ugly. She said ‘go make the film.’ She pushed us,” says producer/star Vinnie Jones. At the end of the movie you will see this is dedicated in Loving Memory of Tanya Jones. The last song by Exile was her choice. The greatest thing of all this is she got to see a finished Director’s Cut.”

The deal was negotiated by Peter Jarowey and Josh Spector at Vertical with Endeavor Content on behalf of the filmmakers. 

“This is not your average action-thriller. Scott’s vision and creative collaboration with star Vinnie Jones brings a dynamic and fresh approach to the genre,” says Rich Goldberg, co-president of Vertical Entertainment. “A departure from any role he’s played before, Jones delivers a standout performance alongside the star-studded cast. We’re thrilled to bring this film to North American and UK audiences this July.”

“Vinnie and I are thrilled to join forces with Rich, Peter and the entire Vertical team. They’re innovative and agile in their approach amidst a landscape that seems to be shifting faster than ever before,” says Wiper. “Since we first met, they’ve given us the care and thoughtfulness every filmmaker craves.  Together, Vinnie and I have made an honest film about pain, loss, love, hope, and redemption in the hills of Appalachia, West Virginia. That’s The Big Ugly. Vertical Entertainment understands our film, and they know who the audience is.  We couldn’t be happier with their game plan and passion.”  

The Big Ugly was directed by Scott Wiper; produced by Vinnie Jones, Scott Wiper, Tarquin Pack and Karri O’Reilly; co-producers Michael Downey and Nancy Hirami, story by Scott Wiper & Paul Tarantino, cinematography by Jeremy Osbern; edited by Jordan Downey; production design by Ren Blanco; costume design by Zachary Sheets; and composed by Alex Heffes. Grammy award winner Gary Clark, Jr., The Hollies, J Geils Band, Allan Rayman, Adam Zelkind, Exile, and The Jam are featured on the soundtrack, supervised by Ian Broucek. The film was executive produced by 4G VISION and Michael Angelo. Legal was handled by Jamie Coghill, Esq. of Surpin, Mayersohn & Coghill, LLP.