Great news! It was announced today by Variety that Sony Classics bought the rights to “The Seagull”, so we can expect news such as release dates and trailers soon enough.

Sony Pictures Classics has acquired most rights to Michael Mayer’s movie adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s play “The Seagull,” starring Saoirse Ronan, Annette Bening, and Elisabeth Moss.

The deal covers North America, Germany, Scandinavia, Greece, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and Asia. It excludes China, Korea, and Japan. The film also stars Corey Stoll, Brian Dennehy, Mare Winningham, Jon Tenney, Glen Fleshler, Michael Zegen, and Billy Howle.

“The Seagull,” first performed in 1896, is set at a country estate where guests have gathered to watch a play. “‘The Seagull’ is the heartbreaking and funny story of friends and lovers, all of whom are in love with the wrong person,” Sony Classics said in a statement. “The movie is timely in its depiction of the tragic consequences of narcissism, particularly on young dreams and romantic love.”

Producers are Tom Hulce, Leslie Urdang, Bob Salerno, Jay Franke, and David Herro. Sony Classics is planning a 2018 release.

The deal was negotiated between Sony Pictures Classics, CAA, and Endeavor Content. Hyde Park International represents the remaining world rights.

Mayer said, “If I could dream up the perfect company to release my film, I would conjure Sony Classics. Michael Barker and Tom Bernard have released so many brilliant and varied films in the last nearly 30 years, it’s a huge honor to collaborate with them on the release of ‘The Seagull.’”