Magnet allures 'Playback'

Magnet Delivering, the genre division of Magnolia Pictures, has acquired U.S. rights to "Playback," the Michael A. Nickles horror pic with Christian Slater among its cast. Nickles produces and helms "Playback," which concentrates on several teens whose analysis for their hometown's shady past unearths an evil spirit that provides its sufferers. Toby Hemingway, Johnny Pacar and Ambyr Childers are also most likely the cast. Film is produced by Lawrence Robbins and John M. Bennett of Bennett Robbins Prods. Distribution pact was talked about by Dori Begley, Peter Van Steemberg and Chris Matson, all Magnet, with Celluloid Nightmares' Nate Bolotin. "Playback" will preem digitally in February via Magnet's Ultra VOD program, right before a March bow in theaters. Film joins a Magnet slate including fellow genre options "Goons," "Innkeepers" and "ABC's of Dying." Contact Gordon Cox at gordon.cox@variety.com