Rebel Wilson’s The Deb Sets U.S. Distributor, Cannes Sales Relaunch

Rebel Wilson‘s directorial debut “The Deb” — billed as an “outrageous” and “fish-out-of-water” musical comedy — has landed U.S. distribution with Sunrise Films. The deal, which follows the film’s theatrical release in its home territory of Australia, was announced by Protagonist Pictures, which is now relaunching the film in Cannes via its boutique label Protagonist Picks.

With a screenplay by newcomer Hannah Reilly, which she adapted from her original stage show, “The Deb” stars Natalie Abbott (“A Perfect Pairing,” “Aftertaste”), Charlotte MacInnes (“North Shore”) and newcomer Stevie Jean alongside Wilson. It features original songs by Meg Washington and choreography by Emmy-winner Rob Ashford (“The 81st Academy Awards,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie”). It premiered at the 2024 Toronto Intl. Film Festival.

The story follows farm girl and high school outcast Taylah Simpkins (Abbott), who is certain the upcoming Debutante Ball, ‘the Deb,’ is her one chance to redefine herself. When her cynical city cousin Maeve (MacInnes) is exiled to Taylah’s drought-stricken town, she thinks the ball is a heteronormative farce and immediately tries to disrupt the status quo. In their search for the spotlight, Taylah and Maeve dig deep to find self-acceptance — and a date to the Deb.

“We’re thrilled to welcome ‘The Deb’ to Protagonist Picks and to see Sunrise Films come on board for North America at such an exciting moment ahead of Cannes,” said Isabel Ivars, who heads up Protagonist Picks. “Rebel has delivered a bold, distinctive directorial debut, a hugely entertaining musical comedy with real heart, originality and broad commercial appeal. It’s exactly the kind of filmmaker-driven project Protagonist Picks was created to champion, and we’re excited to work alongside Sunrise Films to bring this crowd-pleasing film to audiences across the U.S.”

Rupert Preston, CEO of Sunrise Films, added: “We’re delighted to be launching this charming, feel-good and entertaining film to audiences all across the U.S. this summer”

News of the acquisition and sales launch for “The Deb” comes amid an ongoing legal dispute between those involved in the film. Last week, a court in Australia heard the closing arguments in a defamation trial against Wilson by lead actress MacInnes, who claimed that Wilson had tarnished her reputation by alleging that she had made a sexual harassment complaint against “The Deb” producer Amanda Ghost, only to change her story after being cast in another film. Wilson has also been in a legal battle with producers Ghost, Gregor Cameron and executive producer Vince Holden, who sued her for defamation in 2024. Speaking on Australian TV in November 2025, Wilson denied the claims in the defamation suits.

“The Deb” is a co-production between AI Film, Unigram, Bunya Prods. and Camp Sugar.
Producers include Cameron, Ghost, Wilson, David Jowsey and Greer Simpkin. Executive producers are Len Blavatnik, Holden, Washington, Hannah Reilly and Kevin Whyte. Matt Reeder co-produces. Australia based producers Greer Simpkin and David Jowsey of Bunya shepherded the production from pre-production through to delivery. “The Deb” was shot on location in Australia’s New South Wales with the assistance of Screen NSW’s Made in NSW fund and the Producer Offset administered by Screen Australia