Sony Pictures Classics Acquires Sundance Crime Thriller 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York'

The film, written and directed by Noah Segan, stars John Turturro as an aging pickpocket struggling to adapt to changing times.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Sony Pictures Classics has acquired the rights to 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York', a crime thriller that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival last month. The film, written and directed by Noah Segan, follows Harry (played by John Turturro), a veteran pickpocket who struggles to keep up with the evolving landscape of crime as phones become trackable and wallets contain less cash. When a theft goes awry, Harry embarks on a high-stakes race through New York City. The supporting cast includes Giancarlo Esposito, Tatiana Maslany, Steve Buscemi, and Jamie Lee Curtis.

Why it matters

The acquisition of 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' by Sony Pictures Classics signals the studio's confidence in the film's commercial and critical potential. Turturro's acclaimed performance and Segan's gritty depiction of New York crime culture are expected to resonate with audiences and critics alike, potentially launching the film into awards season consideration.

The details

Written and directed by Noah Segan, 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' follows Harry, a veteran pickpocket played by John Turturro, as he navigates the changing landscape of crime in New York City. With phones becoming more trackable and wallets containing less cash, Harry struggles to adapt his craft to the modern era. When a theft goes wrong, he is forced to embark on a high-stakes chase through the streets of the Big Apple.

  • The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2026.
  • Sony Pictures Classics acquired the rights to the film in February 2026, about a month after its Sundance debut.

The players

John Turturro

An acclaimed American actor known for his roles in films such as 'The Big Lebowski', 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?', and 'Barton Fink'.

Noah Segan

The writer and director of 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York', known for his previous crime thrillers.

Sony Pictures Classics

A division of Sony Pictures Entertainment that specializes in distributing independent and foreign-language films.

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What’s next

Sony Pictures Classics is eyeing a theatrical release for 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' in the fall of 2026.

The takeaway

The acquisition of 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' by Sony Pictures Classics demonstrates the continued appeal of character-driven crime thrillers set in the iconic backdrop of New York City, especially when bolstered by a veteran lead performance and critical acclaim.