Joel Edgerton and Toni Collette to Star in Black Comedy ‘Fangs,’ Cornerstone and CAA Selling Lucy McKendrick’s Directorial Debut (EXCLUSIVE)

Golden Globe nominee Joel Edgerton (“The Gift,” “Zero Dark Thirty”) and Golden Globe winner Toni Collette (“Knives Out,” “Mickey 17”) are teaming up for the directorial debut of fellow Australian Lucy McKendrick.

“Fangs” — billed as a “thrilling black comedy about privilege, power, and dangerous fantasies” — is being sold by Cornerstone, which is handling international rights and is co-repping for the U.S. with CAA Media Finance.

The film follows Teddy (McKendrick), the daughter of a private prison mogul, who becomes obsessed with a charismatic inmate, Fangs (Edgerton). Consumed with desire for the self-proclaimed ‘psychopath,’ Teddy risks everything as her life spirals spectacularly out of control.

“Fangs” is produced by Rebecca Yeldham (“The Gift,” “The Motorcycle Diaries”) through Ahimsa Films together with Aggregate Films’ Michael Costigan (“Hitman,” “Brokeback Mountain”), Charlie Polinger (“The Plague”), and Truant Pictures’ Toby Nalbandian (“Turn Me On”). The film, which is made with major production investment from Screen Australia, will commence production in Sydney in August.

“It’s rare to read a script as entertaining, original, and fearless as Lucy McKendrick’s ‘Fangs,'” said Yeldham and Michael Costigan. “We’re thrilled to support Lucy in bringing this bold, hilarious and timely film to the screen and to launch her debut alongside two of Australia’s most iconic and beloved actors, Toni and Joel.”

Added Cornerstone’s Alison Thompson and Mark Gooder also commented: “We love the vision Lucy has for her debut feature, and the casting of Joel and Toni is testament to her sharply original and immensely entertaining script.”

McKendrick is an Australian actor and filmmaker who wrote, produced, co-directed with Charlie Polinger, and starred in the short film “Fuck Me, Richard,” which debuted at SXSW. McKendrick and Polinger recently wrapped Charlie’s highly anticipated directorial debut, “The Plague,” which will premiere in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard competition later this month.

“’Fangs’ has bite in all the right ways – a bold, distinctive feature debut from Lucy McKendrick that we’re proud to support at Screen Australia,” said Screen Australia director of Narrative Content Louise Gough. “The creative team has delivered a sharp, contemporary script, and the powerhouse casting of Toni Collette and Joel Edgerton positions this film for strong international and Australian appeal.”

Added Truant Pictures’ Toby Nalbandian: “We’re incredibly excited to support the debut feature of Lucy McKendrick and to help bring Fangs to life, which promises to be a wild and undeniably entertaining ride for audiences around the world.”

Edgerton is represented by WME and Anonymous Content. Collette is represented by CAA, Finley Management, United Management and Kimberly Jaime at Jackoway Austen. McKendrick is represented by CAA and 42mp, Polinger is represented by UTA and Anonymous Content. Both are represented by Jackoway Austen. Aggregate is represented by CAA and Lighthouse Management.