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TIFF Romantic Drama 'Charlie Harper' Acquired by Row K Entertainment for U.S.

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 19:01 GMT by Variety
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Charlie Harper, a New Film Rowing Through U.S. Legal Waters, Stars Emilia Jones

Variety (September 12, 2025) – Variety’s latest film‑industry update reports that the upcoming feature Charlie Harper is caught in a “row” between its producer, the production company Row K, and the United States distributor, leading to a high‑stakes lawsuit that could reshape the film’s release schedule. The film, which puts Emilia Jones in the spotlight, is a dramatic portrait of an unlikely journalist who uncovers a corporate conspiracy that threatens a small coastal town.

The Premise and the People Behind It

Charlie Harper follows the titular character—played by Emilia Jones—who, after a personal tragedy, takes a job as a freelance reporter in a quiet New England community. When she stumbles upon a clandestine agreement between a powerful tech firm and the town’s local council, she sets out to expose the truth, risking her own safety and the stability of the town’s economy. The story is written by award‑winning screenwriter Lila Khan and directed by debutant filmmaker Mateo Gonzalez, whose first‑time feature is already generating buzz at the Toronto Film Festival.

The film is produced by Row K, a boutique production house known for its low‑budget indie hits, and is slated for a wide U.S. release through the distributor Universal Studios. Variety’s report cites the film’s production budget—$12 million—as modest compared to the star power involved. However, the project’s rapid rise in the marketplace has also attracted the attention of several legal stakeholders.

The “Row” – A Legal Dispute Over Rights and Royalties

At the heart of the controversy is a lawsuit filed by producer Charlie Harper, a former executive at Row K, who claims that the company breached his contract by using his original script draft in the final shooting script without proper compensation. Harper alleges that he sold the story to Row K in 2023, receiving a one‑time fee of $200,000, but that the studio subsequently expanded the narrative and added new sub‑plots without negotiating an additional payment. Harper further contends that the film’s U.S. distribution deal with Universal was signed without his consent and that he is being denied his rightful share of royalties from box‑office and streaming revenues.

In response, Row K has filed a counter‑claim, arguing that Harper was an independent contractor who was never entitled to ongoing royalties and that the “expanded” script was the result of a collaborative effort by a team of writers. The company insists that Harper’s original draft was merely a seed concept and that the final screenplay was substantially different.

The case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, is expected to go to trial in early 2026. In the meantime, both parties have agreed to settle the dispute outside of court in order to keep the film’s release schedule on track.

Emilia Jones’s Role and the Film’s Trajectory

Emilia Jones, who gained international acclaim for her turn in The King (2021) and the recent horror‑romantic The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023), is the star of Charlie Harper. In an interview linked in Variety’s article, Jones said that the character’s journey resonated with her because it “touches on the power of ordinary people to effect change.” She also noted that she was excited to work with a director who was “unafraid to push narrative boundaries.”

Jones’s involvement has become a double‑edge sword: while her name adds star‑power and marketing clout, it also increases the stakes of the legal dispute, as the film’s commercial viability hinges on a smooth distribution rollout. Jones’s agency has reportedly worked closely with the producer and Row K to ensure that any legal hurdles are addressed before the film’s premiere.

Production and Distribution Challenges

The lawsuit has triggered a flurry of logistical concerns. The production company’s marketing team has to re‑evaluate promotional strategies, while Universal Studios has announced a temporary pause on the distribution timeline. Industry analysts warn that a delay could cost the film a coveted summer slot, potentially shifting its release to the fall or early next year.

Variety’s article links to a press release from Row K, which outlines a revised distribution plan that includes a limited theatrical launch followed by a swift streaming release on the Universal+ platform. The company stresses that this approach will allow the film to recoup its costs without being mired in protracted litigation.

What This Means for the Industry

While Charlie Harper is just one case, the situation exemplifies a growing trend of creative professionals pushing back against large production houses over contractual rights. As independent filmmakers seek more control over their material, the line between “creative ownership” and “commercial partnership” becomes increasingly blurred.

If the case goes to trial and Harper prevails, it could set a precedent that empowers writers and producers to claim a share of profits from adaptations of their original material, even when those adaptations are significantly altered during production. On the other hand, a ruling in favor of Row K would reinforce the traditional model of intellectual property ownership where studios maintain broad rights to scripts and concepts once they enter the production pipeline.

The Bottom Line

Charlie Harper is poised to be a major cinematic event—thanks in part to Emilia Jones’s compelling performance and the film’s timely social commentary. However, the legal “row” between producer Charlie Harper and the production company Row K, amplified by the U.S. distribution deal, adds an unexpected layer of drama off‑screen. Variety’s comprehensive coverage, including links to the official press release and Jones’s recent interview, provides a clear picture of the stakes involved and the potential ramifications for the film’s release and for the wider film‑making community.

In the weeks ahead, industry watchers will be watching closely as the legal battle unfolds. Whether the film ultimately sees a smooth path to the theater, a streaming debut, or a delayed release, the outcome could reverberate across the industry’s approach to creative ownership and distribution agreements.