Paramount Pictures Purchases Chris Rock Comedy Film ‘Top Five’ Following Bidding War

Looks like Chris Rock just got a little bit more money in the bank. The Hollywood Reporter notes that the famed comic's new film Top Five was just purchased by Paramount following a bidding war after being premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival this past Saturday (Sept. 6).

THR claims that the studio purchased the film for an astounding $12.5 million.

The film stars the former Saturday Night Live player alongside Rosario Dawson. In the comedy, Rock plays a comedian who attempts to reinvent himself and his career in order to become a serious actor. At the same time, his reality TV star fiancée prods him to broadcast their wedding on her reality show.

Top Five not only stars Rock, but it was also written and directed by him. The film features cameos from fellow heavy hitters Adam Sandler, Jerry Seinfeld and Kevin Hart.

Reports state that a number of major distributors were running for Rock's film after the festival, including Fox Searchlight, Open Road Films, Lionsgate and Relativity.

On the purchase, Paramount Pictures' chairman and CEO Brad Grey released a statement saying, "Chris and I go back decades, both personally and professionally, and so I am particularly proud to have watched his career grow to its highest heights over many decades."

Also appearing in the film are the likes of Tracy Morgan, J.B. Smoove, Anders Holm, Michael Che, Jay Pharoah, and more.

Aside from Rock's strong relationship with Paramount and Grey, one of Top Five's producers, Scott Rudin, is also very close with the studio.