June Squibb Action Comedy ‘Thelma’ Sets Summer Release With Magnolia Pictures

EXCLUSIVE: At 94 years old, June Squibb may not be the most conventional of action heroes. But by gum, she’s the one we need. The Nebraska Oscar nominee is poised to save the summer with Thelma, the nonagenarian action comedy marking the first feature of writer-director Josh Margolin, which Magnolia Pictures has set for a wide release in North America on June 21.

Check out a new clip, teasing the film’s theatrical debut, above.

Marking the first lead film role of Squibb’s accomplished 70+ year career, Thelma is based on a real-life experience of Margolin’s grandmother, Thelma Post, and world premiered to critical acclaim at Sundance, where Magnolia landed rights in a competitive situation. In the film, the 93-year-old Thelma (Squibb) gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson, then setting out on a treacherous quest across the city to reclaim what was taken from her.

A story exploring aging, family and autonomy, the film also stars Fred Hechinger, Parker Posey, Clark Gregg, Malcolm McDowell, and the late Richard Roundtree in his final screen role. This is just one notable project taken on of late by Squibb, who has next been set to star in Eleanor, Invisible, the debut feature of Academy Award-nominated actress Scarlett Johansson.

Fully financed by SPG3 Pictures, Thelma‘s producers are Zoë Worth and Chris Kaye of Bandwagon, Nicholas Weinstock of Invention Studios, Benjamin Simpson, and Karl Spoerri and Viviana Vezzani of Zurich Avenue. Kat Barnette co-produced, with Squibb, Hechinger and Tobias Gutzwiller exec producing. CAA Media Finance has repped the film for financing and worldwide sales.