A24 has acquired U.S. distribution rights to “ Queer ,” the newest film from Academy Award-nominated director Luca Guadagnino .

The Daniel Craig -led film, set to be released this year, will make its global debut at the 81st Venice Film Festival on September 3rd.

Set in 1950s Mexico City, “Queer” follows William Lee (Craig), an American expat in his late 40s, as he leads a solitary life amidst a small American community. However, the arrival in town of Eugene Allerton (Drew Starkey), a young student, stirs William into finally establishing a meaningful connection with someone. Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, Andra Ursuta, Michael Borremans and David Lowery also star.

The screenplay for “Queer” was penned by Justin Kuritzkes, who collaborated with Guadagnino on “Challengers”. Kuritzkes adapted the script from the novel of the same name by American author William S. Burroughs.

“’Queer’ is a project we are deeply passionate about, and we are thrilled that our film has found a home with a studio as daring, vital, and innovative as A24,” Craig and Guadagnino expressed in a joint statement. “It is an immense honor to finally bring Burroughs’ legendary novel to life on screen for the first time, and we are deeply grateful and excited to collaborate with our esteemed colleagues. We couldn't have asked for better partners on this journey.”

In addition to its screening in competition at Venice, where Guadagnino received the best director award in 2022, “Queer” will also have its North American premiere as a special presentation at the Toronto International Film Festival and will serve as the Spotlight Gala of the New York Film Festival.

“Queer” was produced by Fremantle, Fremantle North America, Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment, a Fremantle Group Company, and Luca Guadagnino for his Frenesy Film Company, in collaboration with Cinecitta and Frame by Frame. The film was financed by the Fremantle Group.

“We are delighted that ‘Queer,’ a groundbreaking work in cinema and storytelling, will be released in the U.S. by A24,” Fremantle’s Andrea Scrosati said. “A24 is the perfect partner for Luca Guadagnino’s beautiful and sensitive film, and we are all excited to collaborate with their exceptional team again.”

CAA Media Finance brokered the deal.