Sophie Thatcher and Havana Rose Liu Lead Hong Kong-Set Comedy Peaches as IFC Pre-Buys North America Rights

The upcoming Hong Kong-set comedy Peaches is gaining attention as Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets) and Havana Rose Liu (Bottoms) officially step into the lead roles.

The film, currently shooting in Hong Kong, marks director Jenny Suen’s English-language debut following her 2017 feature The White Girl. Suen co-wrote and co-directed that film with acclaimed cinematographer Christopher Doyle.

Peaches centers on Nora (Thatcher) and Bing Bing (Liu), two spoiled best friends who make their living scamming sugar daddies. Their carefree schemes crash into chaos when they discover that a supposedly luxurious Hermès Birkin bag gifted to them is actually a fake — a detail that sends their boyfriends, their lies, and their crimes spiraling back toward them. What follows is a wild, comedic chase through the streets of Hong Kong. The film draws creative inspiration from Věra Chytilová’s 1966 cult classic Daisies, which you can read more about here.

The North American rights were pre-bought by Independent Film Company (IFC), with the deal negotiated by Rachael Labes on behalf of IFC and CAA representing the filmmakers. International sales are being handled by mk2 Films, which continues presenting the project at the American Film Market (AFM). You can find mk2’s profile of the film here.

The production team behind Peaches includes several heavyweight creative partners. The film is produced by Coco Francini, with Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton serving as executive producers through their company Dirty Films, known for backing distinctive and daring cinema. Dirty Films is also behind the upcoming project Alpha Gang. Additional producing support comes from Jacqueline Liu of One Cool Workshop Limited and director Jenny Suen herself.

Executive producers on the project include a wide industry lineup: Matthew Helderman and Luke Taylor for BondIt Media Capital; Jessamine Burgum and Kara Durrett for Pinky Promise; Patrick Patterson and Joel Reilly for Undisputed Pictures; along with Tristan Strathy, Harriet Harper-Jones, Jesse Ozeri, Sam Pressman, and Sara McFarlane. Their combined involvement signals a strong backing for Suen’s unique comedic vision.

Director Jenny Suen shared her excitement about the cast, praising Thatcher’s and Liu’s dynamic performances and energetic chemistry. She described being “floored” watching them bring the eccentric best-friend duo to life amid Hong Kong’s vibrant backdrop and thanked her partners at Dirty Films, Independent Film Company, and mk2 Films for supporting and championing the project.

Producer Coco Francini echoed this enthusiasm, calling the partnership with Independent Film Company a “full-circle moment,” noting how the IFC logo has long represented distinctive filmmaking. Francini highlighted the extraordinary depth and vitality Thatcher and Liu bring to the film’s bold tone, aligning perfectly with Suen’s audacious creative direction.

Rachael Labes of IFC added that the team was immediately captivated by the script’s joyful cleverness, expressing excitement about bringing this “vibrant, imaginative film” to audiences.

Interestingly, Peaches has evolved since its early development. Two years ago, the project was announced with Emma Corrin and Lucie Zhang attached to star. The updated casting marks a new direction for the production as it moves through filming.

With its sharp premise, high-energy cast, and backing from respected production teams, Peaches is shaping up to be a standout comedy with international appeal.