Breaking News: A fierce bidding war has culminated in a major win for Amazon MGM Studios, securing the rights to the high-octane thriller American Speed. This powerhouse project boasts an incredible lineup, with Tom Holland and Austin Butler set to take the lead. Adding to the excitement, Oscar-winning producer Charles Roven, known for his work on Oppenheimer, will helm the production through his Atlas Entertainment banner, alongside RD Whittington and Douglas Banker. Ryan Sanak of Atlas will serve as executive producer.
Dan Wiedenhaupt has crafted the script, which delves into the unbelievable true story of the Whittington brothers— a trio of legendary race car drivers, two of whom were embroiled in the infamous 1980s IMSA scandal. This shocking saga involved several drivers accused of funding their racing pursuits through illicit activities like drug smuggling, money laundering, and tax evasion.
Holland is riding a wave of success, with his upcoming Spider-Man adventure confirming Destin Daniel Cretton as director and locking in a July 2026 release. To add to his stellar year, Holland has also joined forces with Matt Damon for Christopher Nolan’s next cinematic endeavor.
Butler kicked off 2024 with a scene-stealing performance opposite Timothée Chalamet in Dune: Part Two. He followed that up with a starring role in Bike Riders alongside Tom Hardy. On the television front, he commanded the screen in Apple TV+’s event series Masters of the Air. Butler is currently immersed in filming the Darren Aronofsky thriller Caught Stealing.
Roven is also attached to produce the sci-fi thriller Mercy, starring Chris Pratt. This Amazon MGM Studios production is slated for a global theatrical release on August 15, 2025.
Holland is represented by WME and Sloane Offer. Butler is represented by WME, Anonymous Content and Sloane Offer. Wiedenhaupt is represented by WME, Adam Kolbrenner at Lit Entertainment Group, and attorney Jeff Frankel. Roven is represented by WME and attorney Michael Schenkman.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Film Industry Expert
Time.news Editor: Good morning and welcome to Time.news! Today, we have an exciting guest with us—an expert in the film industry, Jennifer Lane, who will help us unpack the latest sensation in Hollywood: Amazon MGM Studios’ recent acquisition of the high-octane thriller American Speed. Jennifer, thank you for joining us!
Jennifer Lane: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this intriguing project.
Time.news Editor: To kick things off, the bidding war for American Speed culminated in quite a victory for Amazon MGM. What do you think this project says about current trends in film production and distribution?
Jennifer Lane: It’s a significant statement about the ongoing competition in the streaming and film market. As traditional distribution models evolve, studios like Amazon are aggressively seeking high-profile content to draw in subscribers. Acquiring a project with a strong narrative—especially one based on a true story—appeals not only to their consumer base but to the festival circuit as well, regardless of how it ultimately gets released.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. And then there’s the star power of Tom Holland and Austin Butler. How pivotal is their involvement in terms of marketing and audience engagement?
Jennifer Lane: Their star power is monumental! Tom Holland has a massive fan base stemming from his role as Spider-Man, while Austin Butler gained significant recognition as Elvis. Together, they bring a mix of established fan loyalty and emerging charisma that can attract a wide range of viewers. Their presence elevates the project’s profile and is likely to play a key role in its marketing strategy.
Time.news Editor: It seems the project is in capable hands with Oscar-winning producer Charles Roven at the helm. How does his involvement enhance the film’s prospects?
Jennifer Lane: Charles Roven is a powerhouse in Hollywood—his experience on films like Oppenheimer speaks volumes about his ability to navigate complex narratives and create compelling characters. His reputation adds a layer of credibility to American Speed, making it more attractive to both investors and viewers. His proven track record suggests that he will bring depth and quality to this film.
Time.news Editor: Right, and let’s talk about the script by Dan Wiedenhaupt. The story revolves around the Whittington brothers and the 1980s IMSA scandal, a mix of dramatic elements and real history. What makes this narrative compelling?
Jennifer Lane: The true story aspect is incredibly captivating. Audiences love a mix of adrenaline and realism, and the behind-the-scenes turmoil of the racing world—especially one filled with scandal—adds drama. It not only appeals to racing enthusiasts but also taps into the broader themes of ambition, ethics, and the lengths to which individuals will go for success. This duality can create suspense that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
Time.news Editor: This project certainly seems to have a lot of strategic elements in play. How do you foresee the film performing at the box office or in streaming, depending on its release strategy?
Jennifer Lane: Given the elements we’ve discussed—star cast, strong production team, and intriguing plot—I expect American Speed to perform well, especially if marketed effectively. If released in theaters, its blend of action and drama could draw in a diverse audience. Alternatively, a simultaneous release on streaming could also maximize viewership, capitalizing on the convenience factor for today’s audiences. It will truly depend on how Amazon decides to position it.
Time.news Editor: Fascinating insights! Before we wrap up, any final thoughts on what we should keep an eye on regarding American Speed or the film industry more broadly?
Jennifer Lane: I think it’s essential to watch how traditional studios adapt to the changing landscape, especially with new streaming models. Projects like American Speed reflect the kind of storytelling that resonates today—intense, character-driven narratives grounded in real-life events. This shift could influence how future projects get developed and financed, and I’m eager to see how this unfolds in the broader context of the industry.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Jennifer, for your expertise and insights into this thrilling new project. We look forward to seeing how American Speed plays out!
Jennifer Lane: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing this with you.