John Turturro’s “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York” Acquired by Sony Pictures Classics

Sony Pictures Classics has procured the rights to John Turturro’s crime thriller “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York," a month worth of buzz after its first showing at the Sundance Film Festival. While a definitive release date hasn’t been announced, Sony Pictures Classics is aiming for a fall theater release.

Created and helmed by Noah Segan, "The Only Living Pickpocket in New York," speaks of the challenges faced by Harry who is portrayed by Turturro. In the face of new era where phones can be located, cash in wallets is rare and guns freely sighted, he struggles to sync with these changes. As events turn unexpectedly, Harry is put on a time-sensitive chase around New York. The movie also features renowned actors like Giancarlo Esposito, Tatiana Maslany, Steve Buscemi, Karina Arroyave, Victoria Moroles, Will Price, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Sony Pictures Classics praises Noah Segan's work as one of the remarkable films focusing on New York and touts John Turturro’s portrayal as the best of his career, anticipating its success with fall audiences.

Variety’s critic, Tomris Laffly shares a parallel view while tasking “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York” as a tribute to New York and its otherwise unsung inhabitants that it rightfully deserves. Laffly hints that the film could well be a fresh low-key New York classic.

This marks the third acquisition by Sony Pictures Classics from this year’s Sundance, following the romantic comedy "Ha-Chan, Shake Your Booty" and the drama film "Bedford Park." Noah Segan's previous works include collaborations with Rian Johnson on movies like "Looper," "Brick," and the "Knives Out" trilogy. His last work as director was 2022’s horror-comedy “Blood Relatives,” which revolves around Jewish vampires. “The Only Living Pickpocket in New York” was backed by Johnson’s T-Street Productions.

Segan expressed deep gratitude towards Sony Pictures Classics co-presidents Michael Barker and Tom Bernard for their impactful support and belief in the movie. As a multi-generational New Yorker, he stated that portraying the essence and vitality of the city was indispensable for the film. Actors like Turturro, Buscemi, and Esposito who have engraved their names in the New York cinema scene provided the much-needed authentic touch to the movie, according to Segan, who is thrilled about partnering with Sony Pictures Classics to bring the movie to global audience.