Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Global Rights to Tom McCarthy’s Climate Drama ‘Losing Earth’ Adaptation
The plot follows twenty experts—including scientists, policymakers, and activists—who are mandated by Congress to draft a formal statement regarding the effects of CO2 emissions on the climate.
RMN Stars Movies Desk
New Delhi | January 27, 2026
NEW YORK — Sony Pictures Classics has announced the acquisition of all worldwide rights to a new, untitled film from Academy Award-winning filmmaker Tom McCarthy, known for his work on Spotlight and The Visitor. The production, which is dedicated to the late Steve Golin, is scheduled to begin filming at the end of February 2026.
The film is a dramatic, darkly comic true story based on Nathaniel Rich’s book, Losing Earth. The screenplay, adapted by McCarthy alongside Thomas Bidegan and Noé Debré, centers on a 1980 conference at a Florida beachside resort. The plot follows twenty experts—including scientists, policymakers, and activists—who are mandated by Congress to draft a formal statement regarding the effects of CO2 emissions on the climate. The narrative explores the inherent difficulties of human cooperation, questioning if a group can tackle global crises when they struggle to agree on even the smallest details.
“What drew me to this story originally was the timeless idea that no matter our differences, we must find ways to work together if we have a hope of solving our problems,” said Tom McCarthy. He added that the process of bringing this story to life has been surprisingly entertaining.
Sony Pictures Classics, which is co-financing the project, expressed high expectations for the film, describing the script as a “spectacular screenplay” dealing with an “urgent subject”. The distributor has reportedly sought to collaborate with McCarthy since his debut film, The Station Agent, over two decades ago.
The production boasts a significant lineup of high-profile partners and executive producers. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are serving as executive producers via Artists Equity, alongside others such as Alex Gibney, Laurene Powell Jobs, and Davis Guggenheim. The film is produced by Anonymous Content, Slow Pony, and Aloe Entertainment.
The deal for the worldwide rights was negotiated between Sony Pictures Classics, Anonymous Content, and CAA Media Finance. Sony Pictures Classics, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, has a long history of prestige releases, having garnered 42 Academy Awards since its founding in 1992.
