LOS ANGELES — Lionsgate has officially acquired the distribution rights to Ride or Die, an upcoming romantic buddy action-comedy starring Marlon Wayans and Keke Palmer. The project, which is being billed by the studio as the first true romantic buddy-cop movie, sparks an intriguing pairing between two generations of comedic heavyweights.
Wayans, who co-wrote the screenplay alongside his longtime creative partner Rick Alvarez, described the cinematic vision for the film in a way only he could: “When Harry Met Sally with guns.”
The plot centers on Martin Banks (Wayans), a strictly by-the-book robbery detective, and Tami Moore (Palmer), an unapologetic, tough-as-nails narcotics detective who commands her own rules. Sparks and bullets fly in equal measure when the mismatched duo are forced into a partnership to track down a massive, $2 billion cache of deadly opioids stolen from the high-security vault of a multinational pharmaceutical company before they flood the streets of Chicago.
A Powerhouse Behind-the-Scenes Team
The project brings together an experienced roster of action and comedy producers to ensure the film lands its genre-blending beats:
- Production: Wayans and Alvarez will produce through their joint banner, Ugly Baby Productions.
- Action Pedigree: Industry titan Neal H. Moritz—the mastermind behind the massive Fast & Furious franchise—and Toby Ascher are set to produce via Original Film.
- Executive Sidebar: Keke Palmer and her mother, Sharon Palmer, are currently in late-stage talks to serve as executive producers.
The deal was negotiated by Lionsgate’s Robert Melnik, with Scott O’Brien set to oversee the project’s development for the studio.
Hot Streaks for Both Leads
The announcement comes at a remarkably busy time for both stars, who are each navigating a wave of high-profile projects.
”Pairing Marlon Wayans’ veteran physical comedy with Keke Palmer’s fast-talking, high-energy charisma is a brilliant play for Lionsgate,” said industry analyst Marcus Vance. “The theatrical market has been craving original, star-driven star vehicles, and an action rom-com checks every commercial box if the chemistry clicks.”
While a production start date and release window have yet to be finalized by Lionsgate, Ride or Die is already being eyed as a major theatrical priority for the studio as it looks to expand its footprint in high-concept, mid-budget commercial cinema.
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