Eiza González and Brandon Sklenar to Star in Female Bodybuilding Drama ‘Iron Jane’ From Lissette Feliciano, Highland Launching in Cannes (EXCLUSIVE)

Eiza González (“3 Body Problem,” “Baby Driver”) and Brandon Sklenar (“The Housemaid,” “F.A.S.T.”) are set to enter the world of competitive bodybuilding in “Iron Jane,” based on a screenplay by Lissette Feliciano (“Women is Losers”), who will also direct.

Highland Film Group is handling international sales and will introduce the project to buyers at the Cannes Marché du Film. CAA Media Finance and WME Independent rep U.S. rights.

According to the synopsis, “Iron Jane” follows Janie John (González), who after a childhood shaped by neglect and invisibility is pulled into a world that finally sees her, where pain is power and bodies are built, not born. Female bodybuilding offers her something she’s never had: the chance to become untouchable. Coached by a former champion (Sklenar), she begins an extreme transformation, pushing her body past its limits through relentless training, enhancers, and dependence. As her physique sharpens, Janie rises fast, but her grip on reality fractures. Trapped in a system that rewards perfection and punishes weakness, Janie spirals toward a godlike ideal that’s slowly destroying her from within.

“’Iron Jane’ is a story about discovering that true strength is often found in surrender,” said Feliciano. “Eiza brings a physical and emotional commitment, bravery, and collaborative spirit to the role that fully realizes the character I imagined on the page. Her transformation into Jane is inspiring, and alongside Brandon’s quietly magnetic presence as her coach, creates a relationship that I hope will stay with you long after the film ends.”

Andrea Bucko of Sugar Rush Pictures, Jay Glazer of Neon Kite, Matthew Cooper, Anna Dragoo of OGM and Ford Corbett of Gramercy Park are producing alongside González, Sklenar via his newly launched production banner, Vista Lane Pictures, and Feliciano via her company Look at the Moon Pictures.

“It’s an absolute thrill to work with a female director and star on a story that centers such a powerful and nuanced female perspective,” said Bucko. “‘Iron Jane’ gives us the chance to explore ambition, body image, and identity through a lens that feels both timely and deeply human,” said Bucko.

Highland Film Group, Sugar Rush Pictures and Gramercy Park are co-financing, with Atlas Entertainment’s Cassian Elwes (“Dallas Buyers Club,” “Dead Man’s Wire,” “The Butler”) serving as executive producer. Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier for Highland Film Group, Scott Lambert, Nicky Weinstock, and Motoko Kimura, as well as Josh Harris, Nathan Klingher and Mark Fasano from Gramercy Park also executive produce. Casting is being handled by Claire Koonce at CL|CK Casting.

“We have a stellar cast led by Eiza González and Brandon Sklenar whose commitment to the physicality of their roles has already begun,” said Highland Film Group CEO Arianne Fraser. Added COO Delphine Perrier added: “We were immediately impressed with Lissette Feliciano’s debut feature which was an incredibly moving and heartfelt exploration of women’s roles in society. She has such a bright future and is the ideal filmmaker to bring this inspirational story to life.”

Critically acclaimed for her roles in “Baby Driver” and “I Care a Lot,” González currently stars in 20th Century’s streaming hit “Mike and Nick and Nick and Alice.” Up next, she will lead Guy Ritchie’s “In the Grey,” alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and Henry Cavill and also has Boots Riley’s “I Love Boosters” with Keke Palmer and Demi Moore. Later this year, she will return to Netflix’s hit “3 Body Problem.”

Having broken out in “1923” and starred in “It Ends With Us,” Sklenar can currently be seen in Paul Feig’s smash hit “The Housemaid.” He recently wrapped leading roles in Taylor Sheridan’s “F.A.S.T.” opposite LaKeith Stanfield and Jason Clarke, Ramin Bahrani’s romantic drama “Vegas: A Love Story” opposite Maika Monroe, Michael Shannon and Paul Dano and “The Rescue” for Paramount.

Lissette Feliciano’s debut feature “Women is Losers” premiered at SXSW and, after winning several awards on the festival circuit, was acquired by HBO Max. She is next set to direct “On Your Feet!.” the Gloria and Emilio Estefan music biopic for Sony Pictures and Davis Entertainment.

Sugar Rush Pictures, the Los Angeles-based production company led by Bucko, who served as a n exec producer on “Longlegs,” has a slate that includes projects from Ramin Bahrani, James Gray, Werner Herzog, and the sci-fi comedy “Alpha Gang.”

OGM is led by co-founder and president of media Matthew Cooper.

Highland Film Group’s current slate also includes Neil Burger’s action thriller “Barracuda,” Pierre Morel’s “The Good Samaritan,” espionage thriller “Stratagem,” Justin Chadwick’s “The Mark” and Brad Anderson’s psychological thriller “Moral Capacity.” MORAL CAPACITY starring Dacre Montgomery, Diane Lane, Sofia Boutella and Tim Robbins.”

González is represented by CAA, Linden Entertainment, The Lede Company and Jackoway Austen Tyerman. Sklenar is represented by WME; Neon Kite; Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher and Relevant. Feliciano is represented by Paradigm Talent Agency, Neon Kite, Yorn Levine and Adelman Matz, and 42West. Bucko and Sugar Rush Pictures are represented by CAA and Neil Sacker and Sacker Entertainment Law.