Ansel Elgort to Star in Survival Thriller ‘Faster Than Horses’; Upgrade Launches Sales at AFM 

“West Side Story” actor Ansel Elgort is set to star in “Faster Than Horses,” a survival thriller directed by Emmy nominee James Erskine (“Shooting for Socrates “) and produced by survival expert Bear Grylls.

Inspired by a true story and based on an article by Hampton Sides, “Faster Than Horses” follows a former Olympic runner who attempts a return to glory in the world’s toughest footrace, the Marathon des Sables, a series of back-to-back marathons across the Sahara Desert. But when a devastating sandstorm engulfs the race, he finds himself lost in the Sahara Desert, locked in a 10-day battle not for victory, but for survival.

The film is currently in pre-production and will be unveiled to international distributors at the AFM which kicks on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas. Upgrade will handle international sales, with CAA Media Finance repping North American rights.

The script of “Faster Than Horses” was penned by Michael Mul (“Astral”), Chris Mul (“Astral”), and Erskine, with Grylls producing through his The Natural Studios outfit alongside Emmy Award-winning partner Delbert Shoopman, Ben Grass, Michael Pugliese of Running Tiger Films, and Stuart Sutherland of Celtic Arabia. Jonathan Kier and Matt Brodlie from Upgrade will serve as executive producers.

“Since first hearing this story, I’ve been mesmerized by it and am thrilled to now be bringing it to screen,” said Erskine, who previously directed the award-winning comedy “Shooting for Socrates” in 2015 and has his latest movie, “The Flight of Bryan,” opening in U.K. theaters in November.  

“Demanding a total immersive performance, I know Ansel will be utterly brilliant in telling this story of a man battling to survive against all the odds, a powerful story of struggle and redemption set against some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth,” added Erskine, whose documentary credits include “Sachin: A Billion Dreams,” “Copa 71,” as well as “Billie,” and the Netflix originals “Skandal” and “Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist.”

Elgort has earned critical acclaim for his roles in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story,” as well as Edgar Wright’s “Baby Driver.” He also starred in Fox 2000’s smash hit “The Fault in Our Stars.” which earned the actor a number of accolades at the Teen Choice Awards, among others. Elgort recently starred in JT Rogers’ HBO Max series, “Tokyo Vice,” which he also executive produced.

Grylls said he’s “known this story for many years and am so excited to be part of the team bringing it to life.” “Working with Ansel to give him insight for the role and adding authenticity to his performance has been so rewarding. Ansel’s portrayal of a man fighting against impossible odds to survive, both physically and emotionally, will grip audiences,” Grylls continued. The double BAFTA and Emmy winner is behind the popular Discovery Channel show “Man Vs Wild” and “Running Wild With Bear Grylls” which is now in its eighth season on National Geographic Channel and Disney+.

Elgort is repped by CAA, Brookside Artist Management and Yorn, Levine, Barnes, Krintzman, Rubenstein, Kohner, Endlich, Goodell & Gellman. Delbert Shoopman and Bear Grylls are all represented by CAA. James is represented by Curtis Brown and CAA.