Moviegoers will soon get the chance to “check in” to a new action thriller as Hotel Tehran secures domestic distribution ahead of its theatrical release. The film, starring Liam Neeson and Zachary Levi, has been acquired for U.S. distribution by Inaugural Entertainment, which is planning a wide theatrical rollout later this year.
The acquisition marks a major milestone for the project, which has been building momentum since production wrapped. With Neeson and Levi leading the cast, the thriller is expected to draw attention from audiences familiar with Neeson’s long-running association with high-intensity action dramas and Levi’s expanding range across both studio and independent films.
Written and directed by Guy Moshe, Hotel Tehran is set against the backdrop of Iran and is described as a high-stakes thriller. While full plot details remain under wraps, early descriptions suggest a tense narrative involving covert operations and dangerous missions unfolding within the confines of a strategically significant hotel. The title itself hints at a contained, suspense-driven story structure — one that may combine political intrigue with action set pieces.
Neeson’s involvement continues his steady presence in the action-thriller genre. Over the past decade and a half, the actor has become synonymous with tightly wound, character-driven thrillers that blend emotional stakes with relentless pacing. Levi, meanwhile, brings a contrasting energy to the project, adding further intrigue about the dynamic between the film’s central characters.
The ensemble cast adds depth to the production. Alongside Neeson and Levi, the film features Quincy Isaiah, Wes Chatham, Jake Choi, Augusto Aguilera, Grant Harvey, Elnaaz Norouzi, Navid Negahban, Lara Wolf, Annet Mahendru, and Titus Welliver. The diverse lineup signals a globally textured narrative, aligning with the film’s international setting.
Production for Hotel Tehran took place in Mississippi in 2024, with several sequences filmed in and around Jackson and Madison. Though set in Iran, the production relied on carefully designed locations and production design to recreate the story’s environment. Reports indicate that the action sequences were developed with consultation from former special forces and intelligence operatives, suggesting an effort to bring authenticity and tactical realism to the film’s central conflicts.
The domestic acquisition by Inaugural Entertainment underscores industry confidence in the project’s commercial viability. Securing a wide theatrical release signals that the distributor sees potential for the film to perform strongly in multiplexes, particularly among audiences drawn to adult-oriented thrillers. In a marketplace often dominated by franchise spectacles and family titles, mid-budget action thrillers with established stars continue to occupy an important niche.
International sales for the film have also been active, with distribution discussions taking place at major film markets. The global appeal of Neeson’s name recognition, combined with the geopolitical intrigue suggested by the title and premise, positions the film to travel well beyond North America.
For director Guy Moshe, Hotel Tehran represents another ambitious entry in his filmography. Known for stylistic storytelling and bold thematic elements, Moshe now steps into a more mainstream action space while retaining creative control as writer-director. The project’s scale and cast suggest an evolution in scope compared to his earlier work.
As the theatrical release approaches, marketing efforts are expected to lean into both the suspenseful tone and the marquee pairing of Neeson and Levi. With audiences increasingly seeking cinematic experiences that balance grounded storytelling with high tension, Hotel Tehran aims to offer a gripping, contained thriller that unfolds within a charged political landscape.
With distribution secured and a wide release planned, the film is now positioned to make its move in theaters later this year. Whether it becomes the next standout in the modern action-thriller space will depend on execution and audience reception, but its combination of recognizable talent, global intrigue and theatrical backing ensures it will be closely watched.
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