The $30 million toe in the water

Independent Film Company has released a new poster for the upcoming action thriller Motor City, featuring Alan Ritchson in a dynamic action pose. The retro-styled film, set in 1970s Detroit, follows an ex-con on a quest for vengeance. With a minimal-dialogue script and a unique blend of graphic novel and noir influences, Motor City premiered at Venice and is set for release on July 24, 2026.

The poster carries the tagline "Love Will Drive You Mad" and sports a bold, retro aesthetic inspired by 1970s design. The film's official Instagram account also shared the poster with the caption, "March to the beat of your own vengeance. Experience MOTOR CITY July 24." Fans responded enthusiastically in the comments, with one user calling it the "poster of the year."

Director Potsy Ponciroli's own account also commented on the post. Motor City stars Ritchson alongside Ben Foster, Pablo Schreiber, Lionel Boyce, and Shailene Woodley. Potsy Ponciroli directs the film from a screenplay by Chad St. John.

Why 4,000 unsold units became the prize

The film follows John Miller, an ex-con seeking revenge in 1970s Detroit after a ruhtless gangster frames him. Notably, the script originally featured on the 2009 Black List and spent years in development at Warner Bros.

Additionally, it features almost no dialogue, with Foster previously revealing the movie contains only "five lines of dialogue." The team produced the film on a budget of $30 million and shot it in New Jersey and partially in Detroit.

An echo of Sydney's 2024 institutional buy-up

Motor City had its world premiere at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in August 2025. Subsequently, RLJE Films acquied U.S. distribution rights for a reported $3 to $4 million.

The film has been described as "part graphic novel, part noir, part John Wick meets disco." Furthermore, it features era-appropriate needle drops and a rock score composed by Steve Jablonsky .

What auditors flagged in the May filing

The production team produced the film on a budget of $30 million, which is a significant investment for an independent film. The film's unique blend of graphic novel and noir influences is also noteworthy, as it sets it apart from other action thrillers.

The film's release on July 24, 2026, is also a significant event, as it marks the culmination of years of development and production.

Who is the unnamed buyer?

The film's distribution rights were acquired by RLJE Films for a reported $3 to $4 million. However, the identity of the buyer remains unknown, leaving many questions unanswered.

The film's unique blend of graphic novel and noir influences is also a significant factor in its appeal, as it sets it apart from other action thrillers .