Pete DavidsonandO’Shea Jackson Jr.are set to star in STXfilms' dramatic comedyAmerican Sole, which is set in the world of after-market sneakers – one of the fastest-growing areas of in-demand streetwear.
Ian Edelman(How to Make It in America) will write and direct the film, whileKevin Hartand NBA superstarChris Paulwill produce under their respective HartBeat Productions and Oh Dipp!!! Productions banners along withJake Steinof Scondo Productions.
Stadium Goods, the world’s premiere sneaker and streetwear marketplace, will serve as a consulting producer on the project, whileJohn McPheterswill executive produce on behalf of Stadium Goods along with HartBeat’sBryan Smiley. STX executivesDrew SimonandPatricia Bragawill oversee the project for the studio.
American Solefollows two twenty-somethings – Pete and O’Shea – with mountains of college debt who set out to achieve their American dream by reselling sneakers on the secondary market. But when their startup runs out of cash and a shady investor is their only way out, their dream quickly becomes a nightmare.
The sneaker resale market is one of the fastest-growing segments of the fashion industry, having reached $2 billion annually – a figure that is expected to triple by 2025. With brands manufacturing rare models in extremely limited runs, some of the most highly sought-after kicks have fans shelling out as much as $50,000 for a prized collectible pair. Earlier this month, Stadium Goods partnered with Christie’s to auction the Air Jordan 1 High “‘Shattered Backboard’ Origin Story" for $615,000, which set the record for the most expensive shoe ever sold.
“American Soleis a story about the highly exciting, very profitable sneaker industry and the secondary sneaker market. With my own personal passion for sneakers and the culture that drives it, I’m excited to be a part of telling this entertaining story,” said Paul.
“We’re always looking for ways to tap into the zeitgeist, and anyone who’s paying attention to popular culture around the world knows that this particular trend authentically marries the worlds of fashion, music, sports and business, and this project has garnered genuine interest in all of those key verticals," added STXfilms chairmanAdam Fogelson.
Edelman has experience dramatizing this kind of rags-to-riches narrative as the creator of the HBO seriesHow to Make It in America, which followed two New Yorkers who start a denim brand. More recently, he directed the hip-hop coming-of-age storyThe After Partyfor Netflix, which featured a who’s who of rappers includingDMX, and he’s also an executive producer on Netflix’s adult animated seriesEntergalacticfromKid CudiandKenya Barris. Edelman is also writing HBO Max’sPublic FiguresstarringLil Yachty.
Jackson Jr. starred in STX’s crime dramaDen of Thievesand recently co-starred in theSeth Rogenrom-comLong Shot, theMichael B. JordandramaJust Mercyand the blockbuster sequelGodzilla: King of the Monsters. He’ll soon be seen in the Apple TV+ seriesSwaggerfrom executive producerKevin Durant.
Davidson recently starred inJudd Apatow’sThe King of Staten Islandand Hulu’s original movieBig Time Adolescence. Davidson has also wrappedJames Gunn’sThe Suicide Squad, and he’s set to star oppositeColin Jostin Universal’s wedding comedyWorst Man. As of this writing, Davidson is expected to return for the upcoming season ofSaturday Night Live, thoughLorne Michaelshas yet to reveal who will be back in the fall. For more onThe Suicide Squad,click here.
