Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Global Rights to John Turturro's 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York'

The crime thriller, directed by Noah Segan, will receive a fall theatrical release after premiering at Sundance and Berlin.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the global rights to 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York', a crime thriller directed by Noah Segan and starring John Turturro. The film, which was financed by MRC and T-Street, recently premiered at the Sundance and Berlin film festivals and is set for a fall theatrical release.

Why it matters

The acquisition of 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' by Sony Pictures Classics, a renowned arthouse distributor, signals the film's potential for critical acclaim and commercial success. Turturro's performance is already generating awards season buzz, and the film's exploration of the changing landscape of New York City crime could resonate with audiences.

The details

The film follows Harry Lehman, an aging pickpocket played by Turturro, as he struggles to make ends meet in a drastically changed New York City. When he unwittingly steals a valuable USB stick, he finds himself in a race against time to return the loot and avoid the wrath of a vengeful crime family. The film also stars Giancarlo Esposito, Will Price, Tatiana Maslany, Victoria Moroles, and Steve Buscemi.

  • The Only Living Pickpocket in New York world premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2026.
  • The film recently played at the Berlin International Film Festival.
  • Sony Pictures Classics has announced a fall 2026 theatrical release for the film.

The players

John Turturro

An acclaimed actor who stars as the aging pickpocket Harry Lehman in the film.

Noah Segan

The writer and director of The Only Living Pickpocket in New York.

Sony Pictures Classics

The arthouse distribution company that has acquired the global rights to the film.

MRC

The production company that financed The Only Living Pickpocket in New York.

T-Street

The production company co-founded by Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman that co-financed the film.

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What they’re saying

“As a multi-generational New Yorker, capturing the soul and energy of our city was a requirement for The Only Living Pickpocket in New York. No one embodies that vibe more than John Turturro.”

— Noah Segan, Director (Instagram)

What’s next

The film is set for a fall 2026 theatrical release, where it will look to build on the positive buzz from its festival premieres and potentially generate awards season attention for Turturro's performance.

The takeaway

The acquisition of 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' by Sony Pictures Classics demonstrates the film's potential to resonate with critics and audiences as a gritty, character-driven crime drama set against the backdrop of a changing New York City. Turturro's acclaimed performance and the film's exploration of themes of aging, economic struggle, and the evolving nature of crime could make it a standout in the fall release slate.