Neon Acquires James Gray's "Paper Tiger

Neon has acquired distribution rights for James Gray’s new feature film Paper Tiger , with the deal dated April 22, 2026 . The film is written and directed by Gray and features a lead cast of Adam Driver , Scarlett Johansson , and Miles Teller .

The acquisition places Paper Tiger in position for a possible late entry into the upcoming Cannes Film Festival lineup. Gray is described as a regular presence at Cannes, and the timing of the rights pickup aligns with the film being discussed as a potential last-minute addition to the festival’s slate.

According to the film’s described storyline, Paper Tiger follows two brothers chasing the American Dream who are pulled into a scheme that escalates into violent intimidation by the Russian “ Mafiya .” As the pressure intensifies, the brothers’ relationship is tested, and the plot introduces the prospect of betrayal between them.

The production team listed for the film includes producers Rodrigo Teixeira , Anthony Katagas , Raffaella Leone , Gary Farkas , Marco Perego , Carlo Salem , and Andrea Bucko . The executive producers are Lee Broda , Jeff Rice , Riccardo Maddalosso , and Emily Salveson .

Gray’s recent festival track record is also part of the context around the deal. His prior film, Armageddon Time , premiered at Cannes in 2022 and later received a U.S. release handled by Focus Features . That history is being cited alongside the new acquisition as a reference point for how Gray’s work can move from a major festival platform into commercial distribution.

In practical terms, Neon’s move signals an effort to pair Gray’s standing on the festival circuit with the film’s high-profile cast. The acquisition is being framed as a step that could support a substantial theatrical rollout after any festival debut, though the Cannes status is presented as a possibility rather than a confirmed selection.