Sony Pictures Classics has acquired worldwide rights to Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, a comedy directed by David Wain. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival 2026 and features an ensemble cast led by Zoey Deutch and Jon Hamm. The acquisition marks one of Sony Pictures Classics’ key deals from this year’s festival.
A small-town story with a Hollywood twist has landed a major distribution deal.
Sony Pictures Classics announced it has acquired worldwide rights to Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass, an independent comedy that premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. The deal marks the company’s fourth acquisition from this year’s event.
Directed by David Wain and co-written with longtime collaborator Ken Marino, the film builds on Wain’s track record of character-driven comedies.
Gail Daughtry film plot and Sundance reception
The film follows Gail Daughtry, a small-town hairdresser whose life unravels after her fiancé acts on a so-called “celebrity pass.”
- Gail’s fiancé, Tom, betrays her after meeting his celebrity pass
- She travels to Los Angeles with her friend Otto
- A psychic convinces her to pursue her own celebrity encounter
- The journey turns into a chaotic search involving celebrities and unexpected dangers
The narrative unfolds as Gail navigates Hollywood in search of actor Jon Hamm, encountering industry figures and a group of pursuing assassins along the way.
The film premiered to strong audience response at Sundance, according to Sony Pictures Classics.
Cast and production details of Gail Daughtry film
The film features a wide-ranging ensemble cast.
- Zoey Deutch plays Gail Daughtry
- Jon Hamm appears as himself
- John Slattery and Ken Marino take supporting roles
- Additional cast includes Miles Gutierrez-Riley, Ben Wang, Joe Lo Truglio, and Sabrina Impacciatore
Behind the camera, the film brings together several experienced creatives.
- Cinematography by Kevin Atkinson
- Editing by John Daigle
- Production design by Justin Lieb
- Music composed by Craig Wedren
The film was shot entirely on location in Los Angeles.
Sony Pictures Classics strategy and filmmaker response
Sony Pictures Classics described the film as a standout comedy from the festival lineup.
“GAIL DAUGHTRY AND THE CELEBRITY SEX PASS is the most hilarious comedy we have seen in ages,” the company said in a statement.
Wain said the film aims to deliver theatrical comedy at a time when audiences are seeking light-hearted entertainment.
“I think we’re all hungry to have more movies in theaters that are designed to provide laughter and joy,” he said.
Producer Crystine Zhang said partnering with Sony Pictures Classics was significant for the project’s release.
The acquisition deal was negotiated between Sony Pictures Classics and WME Independent on behalf of the filmmakers.
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