Maude Apatow’s directorial debut “Poetic License” will be released by Sony Pictures Classics in 2027 after the film was rescued from collapsing distributor Row K, which faced financial collapse and executive departures earlier this year.
The acquisition of “Poetic License” by Sony Pictures Classics (SPC) marks a dramatic turnaround for Maude Apatow’s directorial debut, which had been caught in the fallout from the collapse of Row K Entertainment. The film, which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and received critical acclaim, was initially acquired by Row K but was later dropped after the distributor faced severe financial and operational challenges.
A Film Rescued From Distribution Chaos
Poetic License,
starring Leslie Mann as a former therapist navigating a new town and a tangled web of friendships, was one of several titles that Row K acquired from festivals in 2025. However, the distributor struggled with unpaid bills and a leadership exodus, including the departure of president Megan Colligan and other top executives. By early 2026, Row K was unable to fulfill its obligations to Apatow and the film’s producers, leading WME Independent to seek new buyers.
The deal was negotiated between SPC and WME on behalf of the filmmakers, with SPC emphasizing the film’s alignment with its legacy of character-driven storytelling. ’Poetic License’ marks the arrival of an exciting new chapter for filmmaker Maude Apatow, whose distinctive creative vision is evident in every frame,
SPC said in a statement. Equal parts funny and heartfelt, the film features career-best performances from Leslie Mann, Cooper Hoffman, and Andrew Barth Feldman, whose undeniable charm and chemistry light up the screen.
Row K’s Financial Implosion and Its Aftermath
Row K’s collapse unfolded rapidly, with reports of unpaid vendors and internal turmoil. The company, founded in 2024, had acquired several high-profile titles, including Gus van Sant’s Dead Man’s Wire,
but its financial instability became apparent by early 2026. According to sources, Row K’s struggles were compounded by the departure of key executives, leaving the company unable to meet its distribution commitments. The film’s producers, including Judd Apatow, were left in limbo until WME intervened to re-market the project.
I grew up watching and loving the films released by Sony Pictures Classics. They shaped my understanding of what movies could be. To now be working alongside Michael Barker, Tom Bernard and the entire team is a dream come true,
Apatow said in a statement. The director also highlighted the film’s emotional core, describing it as a story about longing, self-discovery, and the intoxicating thrill of being truly seen.
SPC’s Strategic Move and Industry Implications
SPC’s acquisition of “Poetic License” underscores its continued focus on indie and character-driven films, following the success of titles like Call Me By Your Name.
For Apatow, the partnership with SPC represents a significant career milestone, following in the footsteps of her father, Judd Apatow, who has long been a fixture in independent film.
Unanswered Questions and Next Steps
While the acquisition of “Poetic License” is a clear victory for Apatow and her team, several questions remain. SPC has not yet announced specific dates or promotional plans, though the studio’s statement emphasized its commitment to give audiences the opportunity to experience the same magic we felt when we first saw the film.
For now, the focus remains on the film’s theatrical rollout. With SPC’s backing, “Poetic License” is poised to reach a wider audience, potentially solidifying Apatow’s reputation as a filmmaker. As the film moves toward its 2027 release, its success will be closely watched by both industry observers and fans of Apatow’s work.
