Vertical Acquires U.S. Rights to ’80s-Inspired Action-Thriller ‘Stone Cold Fox’ from First-Time Filmmaker Sophie Tabet

Throwback revenge thriller features Kiernan Shipka, Kiefer Sutherland, and Krysten Ritter in audacious indie feature slated for 2025 release.

The Basics

• Title: Stone Cold Fox
• Director: Sophie Tabet (feature directorial debut)
• Writers: Sophie Tabet, Julia Roth (story also by Jonathan Craven)
• Distributor: Vertical (U.S. rights)
• Release Timeline: Later in 2025
• Cast: Kiernan Shipka (Fox), Kiefer Sutherland (crooked cop), Krysten Ritter (queenpin), Mishel Prada (Brilliant Minds), Karen Fukuhara (The Boys)
• Genre: ’80s-inspired action-thriller revenge story
• Producers: Stephen Braun (Bee-Hive), Chris Abernathy & Eric B. Fleischman (The Wonder Company), Jonathan Craven, Julia Roth, Sophie Tabet
• Executive Producers: Joe Roth, Andrea Bucko, Emily Hunter Salveson, Ross Putman
• Cinematography: Ken Seng
• Editing: Joel Griffen
• Production Design: Susannah Honey
• Costume Design: Joanna David
• Music: Alex Kovacs
• Deal Negotiators: Peter Jarowey & Tony Piantedosi (Vertical); Verve Ventures, UTA Independent Film Group

What’s Happening

Vertical announced the acquisition of U.S. distribution rights to Stone Cold Fox, an ’80s-inspired action-thriller from first-time feature filmmaker Sophie Tabet. The film arrives as a throwback revenge narrative featuring a strong ensemble cast anchored by Kiernan Shipka as the protagonist Fox.

Tabet co-wrote the script with Julia Roth based on an original story developed with Jonathan Craven. The film represents Tabet’s transition from creative development to feature directorial vision—positioning her within the emerging cohort of women-directed genre cinema.

The 2025 release timeline positions the film within a contemporary resurgence of throwback action-thriller aesthetics, capitalizing on renewed genre audience enthusiasm for 1980s-inspired narratives.

Narrative and Genre Positioning

Stone Cold Fox centers Fox, a defiant protagonist escaping an abusive commune in search of her family. When the queenpin kidnaps her younger sister and dispatches a crooked cop to pursue her, Fox infiltrates the very institution she escaped—the narrative framework emphasizing agency through infiltration rather than passive victimhood.

The ’80s revenge thriller framework establishes specific genre expectations: practical action sequences, morally complex antagonists, defiant protagonists, and gritty aesthetic. The emphasis on “throwback” positioning suggests intentional homage to established genre conventions rather than contemporary subversion.

The women-centric narrative—with Fox as protagonist and Krysten Ritter’s queenpin as antagonist—positions gender dynamics as central to the thriller mechanics rather than peripheral considerations.

Cast Assembly and Franchise Continuity

The casting strategy balances established television talent with contemporary recognizability. Kiernan Shipka’s recent theatrical work (Twisters) positions her as emerging action-star capable of anchoring feature narratives. Kiefer Sutherland’s long-standing genre credibility (24, Designated Survivor) lends antagonist weight.

Krysten Ritter’s casting as the queenpin represents strategic gender dynamics: female villain rather than male crime boss. Her character positioning as primary antagonist suggests narrative complexity beyond simple law enforcement opposition.

Karen Fukuhara and Mishel Prada contribute supporting ensemble strength, reflecting commitment to ensemble casting depth rather than single-star vehicle approach.

First-Time Feature Director and Creative Vision

Sophie Tabet’s directorial debut status receives prominent positioning within deal announcement and marketing language. This emphasis reflects industry recognition that emerging women directors require institutional platform access—Vertical’s acquisition provides distribution infrastructure for Tabet’s creative vision.

Tabet’s creative statement emphasizes nostalgic filmmaking inspiration: “I grew up on gritty ’80s action-thrillers.” This personal connection to source material suggests directorial authenticity rather than commercial calculation—positioning the film as labor of love rather than franchise extension or IP adaptation.

Production Team and Technical Expertise

The below-the-line talent represents significant creative infrastructure. Cinematographer Ken Seng’s work encompasses indie and prestige features, suggesting visual sophistication beyond standard action-thriller aesthetics.

Production designer Susannah Honey and costume designer Joanna David indicate attention to period-appropriate or aesthetically cohesive design—crucial for throwback genre films relying on visual specificity.

Editor Joel Griffen and composer Alex Kovacs complete creative team emphasizing technical sophistication in action-thriller assembly and sonic design.

Producer Infrastructure and Development

The producer slate combines emerging independent producers (Bee-Hive’s Stephen Braun, The Wonder Company’s Abernathy and Fleischman) with established industry figures (Joe Roth as executive producer). This hybrid infrastructure balances emerging creative voices with institutional experience.

Joe Roth’s executive producer involvement signals studio-adjacent resources and credibility—potentially facilitating financing, distribution coordination, and industry relationships without compromising directorial autonomy.

Vertical’s Distribution Strategy

Vertical’s acquisition of U.S. rights reflects the distributor’s focus on genre cinema and emerging filmmakers. The company specializes in indie action-thriller distribution, positioning itself as appropriate partner for throwback genre projects.

The “U.S. rights” specification suggests international distribution rights remain available—potentially enabling platform deals (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) or additional territorial distributors. This rights structure reflects contemporary distribution strategy balancing theatrical exhibition with streaming platform accessibility.

Financing and Market Context

The deal structure—involving Verve Ventures and UTA Independent Film Group—suggests hybrid financing combining traditional production financing with talent agency participation. This structure enables emerging filmmakers to secure resources while maintaining creative control.

The timing of Vertical’s acquisition during 2025 development cycle positions the film within contemporary indie film market recognizing audience appetite for throwback genre cinema and women-directed action narratives.

Gender-Forward Action Cinema

Stone Cold Fox positions itself within emergent women-directed action-thriller movement. Female directors increasingly claim genre filmmaking authority previously dominated by male counterparts—Tabet’s debut represents this broader industry shift.

The narrative centering female protagonist agency alongside female antagonist complexity reflects contemporary action-thriller sensibility moving beyond male-centric heroism frameworks.

What Comes Next

Stone Cold Fox arrives for U.S. theatrical and digital release later in 2025 through Vertical.

Specific release date and exhibition strategy to be announced.

International distribution and platform partnerships likely forthcoming.

Premiere festival consideration possible for indie thriller at major autumn festivals (Fantastic Fest, Toronto International Film Festival, etc.).

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For fans of: 1980s action-thrillers, indie cinema, throwback genre films, female-directed action, revenge narratives, ensemble casts, genre cinema, emerging filmmakers

Release date: Later in 2025

Distributor: Vertical (U.S. rights)

Director: Sophie Tabet (feature debut)

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Vertical acquires ‘Stone Cold Fox,’ Sophie Tabet’s ’80s-inspired action-thriller debut starring Kiernan Shipka and Kiefer Sutherland, for 2025 release