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

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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, stars John Turturro as Harry, a veteran pickpocket who struggles to keep up with the evolving landscape of crime as technology and security measures make his craft more difficult. When a theft goes wrong, 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 a major distributor like Sony Pictures Classics signals strong industry confidence in the film's commercial potential and critical acclaim. Turturro's leading role in a gritty New York-set crime drama also aligns with the actor's acclaimed work in similar genres over his decades-long career.

The details

Written and directed by Noah Segan, 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' follows Harry, played by John Turturro, a veteran pickpocket who is struggling to adapt to the changing landscape of crime in New York City. As phones become more trackable, wallets carry less cash, and guns are hidden in plain sight, Harry finds his craft becoming increasingly difficult. When a theft goes awry, he is forced to go on the run through the streets of the Big Apple.

• The film had its world premiere 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.

What’s next

Sony Pictures Classics is eyeing a theatrical release for 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' in the fall of 2026, though an exact date has not yet been set.