Drag Heist Comedy Secures International Sales
· news
The DeVito Touch: “Drag” Heist Comedy’s International Appeal
The success of the heist thriller comedy “Drag,” produced by Danny DeVito, Lucy DeVito, and Jake DeVito, is a testament to the enduring appeal of the DeVito family in international cinema. As the film prepares for its Toronto Film Festival launch and secures distribution deals worldwide, it’s worth examining what sets this project apart from other crime caper comedies.
The film’s unique blend of humor and high-stakes heists owes some credit to its production banner, Jersey Films 2nd Avenue. Founded by the DeVito family, this label champions distinctive creative voices and stories that defy genre convention. This approach has yielded innovative projects like “Little Demon,” an animated FXX series, and “Game 7,” a Prime Video sports docuseries. The success of these endeavors suggests that the DeVito team is well-versed in crafting entertainment that transcends traditional boundaries.
The story follows two sisters with a strained relationship who target a house in rural upstate New York for a burglary. As the heist goes awry, one sister becomes trapped on the second floor, sparking an increasingly frantic bid to escape before the homeowner returns home. This setup balances humor and tension, keeping viewers engaged as they try to predict the sisters’ fate.
The cast, featuring Lizzy Caplan, Lucy DeVito, John Stamos, and Christine Ko, adds to the project’s international appeal. With a mix of established stars and newcomers, “Drag” is poised to capture attention from global audiences. The film’s festival run has already generated buzz, with screenings at SXSW 2026, BiFan, Fantasia, and Tubi FrightFest London.
As an independent filmmaking milestone, “Drag” showcases Jersey Films 2nd Avenue’s commitment to supporting emerging talent. In an industry dominated by big-budget blockbusters, it’s refreshing to see smaller, more innovative projects like “Drag” gaining traction. The success of “Drag” highlights the importance of international sales and distribution partnerships.
Blue Finch Films’ current slate includes a range of titles, from the Toronto Midnight Madness selection “Kick On” to the Fantasia title “Attack On Paradise.” These collaborations demonstrate the value of building relationships between producers, distributors, and audiences worldwide. The film’s upcoming release on January 29, 2027, courtesy of Briarcliff Entertainment, will bring “Drag” to U.S. theaters.
The DeVito touch may be a key factor in “Drag“‘s success, but it also underscores the complex web of creative collaborations and commercial considerations that drive international cinema. As the industry continues to evolve, projects like “Drag” serve as a timely reminder of the importance of taking risks and pushing boundaries in storytelling.
“Drag” is more than just a well-crafted heist comedy – it’s a microcosm of the global film industry’s ongoing quest for innovation and entertainment value.
Reader Views
- ADAnalyst D. Park · policy analyst
What's notable about this production is how the DeVito team is leveraging their reputation to incubate fresh voices and styles, rather than simply relying on brand recognition. While "Drag" may ride the coattails of its star-studded cast, the real story here is Jersey Films 2nd Avenue's ability to attract talent willing to take risks on unconventional projects. This could have significant implications for the types of stories that get greenlit and the boundaries being pushed in international cinema – worth keeping a close eye on as this banner continues to gain momentum.
- RJReporter J. Avery · staff reporter
While the DeVito family's production banner is certainly a driving force behind the success of "Drag," it's worth noting that the film's international appeal may be due in part to its timely subversion of traditional heist movie tropes rather than solely its familial connections. The increasingly crowded market for crime caper comedies demands something new, and "Drag" delivers with its focus on character relationships and female-led narrative. However, as a result, the film's reliance on recognizable stars and genre familiarity may limit its ability to truly disrupt the status quo.
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
While the DeVito family's track record with Jersey Films 2nd Avenue is undeniably impressive, one wonders how much of their success is attributable to their own involvement in production rather than simply being a family operation. As outsiders increasingly dominate Hollywood, does having "DeVito" as a byline guarantee box office gold, or are there other factors at play that will ultimately determine the film's staying power? The article glosses over these questions in favor of extolling the family's creative credo, but fans of the industry would benefit from more nuance on this topic.