Paramount Pictures announced today that it has secured the worldwide distribution rights toCaptive, starringDavid Oyelowo(Selma) andKate Mara(Fantastic Four,House of Cards). The studio will release the film on June 20, 2025. Directed by veteran filmmaker Jerry Jameson, the film is based on the book Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero byAshley SmithwithStacy Mattingly. The film’s screenplay is by Brian Bird. Here’s whatDavid Oyelowohad to say aboutCaptivein a statement.
“I was drawn to this story because it beautifully illustrates how a broken spirit can be healed by an unexpected source of hope. I feel blessed to be continuing my very fruitful relationship with Paramount.”
Also starringMichael K. Williams,Mimi Rogers, Jessica Oyelowo and Leonor Varela, the film was produced by Terry Botwick, Jerry Jameson,David Oyelowoand Ken Wales in addition to BN Films' Alex Garcia, Lucas Akoskin and Katrina Wolfe. The executive producers areSantiago Garcia Galvan, BN’s Jonathan Gray,Elliott Lester, Ralph Winter and Bird. BN fully financed the picture. Here’s what Terry Botwick had to say in his statement.
“In March of 2005Ashley’s story captivated the nation on news outlets everywhere. Her story is thrilling and redemptive as God intersected the lives of two very broken people in the most dramatic way. It has been amazing getting to know Ashley and to be working with such fine actors. I’m so pleased to also be partnering with Paramount to bring this authentic encounter to a worldwide audience.”
Alex Garcia, President of AG Studios, the holding company of BN Films, had this to say in his statement.
“Jerry Jameson has done a fantastic job bringing to lifeAshley Smith’s harrowing ordeal and miraculous redemption, andKate Maraportrays her with phenomenal sensitivity and poignancy. Along withno_filM|Nightingale,Captivealso represents our second collaboration with the brilliantly talentedDavid Oyelowo. We look forward to continuing this special relationship with David and believe that the film has found the perfect home at Paramount.”
The film tells the dramatic, thrilling and spiritual true story of Ashley Smith (Kate Mara), a single mother and recovering drug addict who was taken hostage in her own apartment by fugitive, murderer and accused rapist Brian Nichols (David Oyelowo). With her back against the wall, Smith turned to the personal spiritual journey of Rick Warren’s best-selling book The Purpose Driven Life in an attempt to survive and help Brian find a better way out.
