Funding Challenges Stall Bryan Cranston’s Lone Wolf Thriller as Production Seeks Resolution

EXCLUSIVE: Months after initial reports of funding troubles on the conspiracy thriller Lone Wolf, starring Bryan Cranston and Lily Gladstone, many crew members, vendors, and some cast remain unpaid, sources reveal. The film faces a remaining budget shortfall of approximately $2 million before it can complete filming and enter post-production.

The financiers have been struggling to close the funding gap for months, exploring various financial options. However, the lead actors are reportedly not among those owed payment. Recently, Wagner Media Finance, led by producer Jordan Wagner, stepped in to take control of the production after the original production company, Yale Productions, filed for bankruptcy. Wagner has been involved with the project from the beginning, serving as both producer and financier, with past credits including Hypnotic, Flight Risk, and Afterburn.

The original main financier, Rabbits Black, a U.S. equity investor and senior lender known for films like Weekend In Taipei and Sneaks, has confirmed it has fulfilled its funding obligations. Currently, partners are working on restructuring the financing, including talks to increase executive producers’ stakes and reduce the budget. If these discussions fail, legal action may be pursued by some producers.

Production problems began early, with crew pay delays causing work stoppages and a Do Not Work Order from SAG due to unpaid wages, halting filming for multiple days.

Directed by Mark Pellington, Lone Wolf is a conspiracy thriller about a troubled veteran (Gladstone) battling addiction, recruited by a contractor (Cranston) for a covert government assassination plot targeting a high-level politician. The cast also features O’Shea Jackson, Jr., Jennifer Ehle, Chet Hanks, and Spencer Garrett. Notable producers include Oscar nominee Christine Vachon and veteran producer Ted Hope.

Producer Jordan Wagner expressed the challenges:
“This process has been extremely challenging and, at times, frustrating. We initially provided a short-term bridge loan based on contractual assurances for timely repayment. However, financing complications and the bankruptcy of Yale Productions forced Wagner Media Finance to take over the production entity to protect investor interests.”

Wagner emphasized their commitment:
“We are working with lenders, financiers, and producers to find a responsible way forward. Our priorities are to protect investor capital, ensure the cast, crew, and vendors are paid, complete post-production, and deliver the finished film to distribution partners including Vertical for North America and international buyers.”

Rabbits Black added, “While we have met our contractual funding obligations, we remain supportive of efforts to resolve outstanding payments. A new team is leading these efforts to ensure Lone Wolf reaches completion.”