Lewis Pullman, the star of Top Gun: Maverick and Thunderbolts, is gearing up for a new role in the upcoming motocross drama Ragamuffin. This film marks the feature directorial debut of Kaitlyn Mikayla, whose Sundance short caught the attention of Oscar-nominated producer David Permut. The film is set to be produced by Permut Presentations and is currently in pre-production and financing stages.
Ragamuffin follows the story of Mad Mike, played by Pullman, and his 14-year-old daughter, an aspiring motocross champion. The film is inspired by Mikayla's own experience in the world of motocross and is executive produced by Jason Reitman, who has been a champion of Mikayla's work. The short film earned several honors, including Kodak Best Shot on Film (16mm) at HollyShorts and Best Narrative Short at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival.
Mikayla is a rising star in the film industry, having directed, shot, and edited international campaigns for brands such as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and Barneys New York. Her work has been recognized by Filmmaker Magazine, which named her one of the 25 New Faces of Independent Film. Pullman, on the other hand, is a versatile actor who has starred in a range of films, from Netflix's Remarkably Bright Creatures to SXSW's narrative feature prize winner, Wishful Thinking.
The film's producer, David Permut, is known for his keen eye for talent and his ability to develop projects with them. He has a history of discovering and nurturing talent at the Sundance Film Festival, where he first met Will McCormack and Rashida Jones. Permut's production company, Permut Presentations, has a string of movies that have premiered at Sundance, including Twinless and The Polka King.
Ragamuffin is set to be an exhilarating experience for the audience, as it explores the emotional relationship between Mad Mike and his daughter against the backdrop of the intense world of motocross. The film is expected to be a coming-of-age story that will resonate with audiences of all ages. From my perspective, the film's unique setting and compelling characters make it a must-watch for fans of sports dramas and coming-of-age stories alike.
In my opinion, the film's strength lies in its ability to blend the excitement of motocross with the emotional depth of a family drama. The film's inspiration from Mikayla's own experience in the world of motocross adds a layer of authenticity to the story, making it feel more relatable and engaging. Personally, I think the film has the potential to be a breakout hit, and I can't wait to see Pullman and Mikayla bring their characters to life on screen.
