**EXCLUSIVE:** Ron Howard is making a rare appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival today to debut his latest project, *Eden*. Unlike most of Howard's films, which are typically backed by major studios, *Eden* is being presented as an acquisition title, meaning it’s still available for distribution. Known for his Oscar-winning work and box office successes, Howard takes a darker turn with this film, which shares thematic similarities with his recent work *Thirteen Lives* but introduces a more sinister twist.


*Eden* is based on a true story and boasts a star-studded cast including Jude Law, Sydney Sweeney, Vanessa Kirby, Daniel Brühl, Ana de Armas, Toby Wallace, and Felix Kammerer. The plot follows three groups of people who, disillusioned with post-World War I society, retreat to the Galápagos Islands to create their own utopia. However, their dreams of paradise quickly unravel, leading to a brutal battle for survival against both nature and one another, evoking shades of *Lord of the Flies*. 


*Eden* will have its world premiere tonight at 5:45 p.m. at Roy Thomson Hall.

**RON HOWARD:** "Since *Apollo 13*, I’ve found myself drawn to stories rooted in real events, where characters are pushed to their limits and reveal their true selves under extreme pressure. What makes *Eden* stand out—and perhaps a bit surprising for some—is the depth and complexity of the characters. The choices they make in the film are intense, shocking, and deeply human. It’s fascinating to watch as the conflict unfolds.


At its core, *Eden* is a thriller, and part of the tension comes from not knowing who will survive and why. The real-life events behind this story are filled with that suspense. The film is based on two vastly different versions of the same unsolved mystery, making it one of those 'stranger than fiction' tales."

**HOWARD:** "I first came across this story about 15 years ago during a family trip to the Galapagos. It’s a place I’d dreamed of visiting since I was a kid, flipping through *National Geographic* and seeing those incredible images of iguanas and unusual birds. When I finally got there, it exceeded all my expectations. While there, I stumbled upon this fascinating story and became captivated. I started reading everything I could find about these three groups of people who decided to escape the turmoil of the world and go off the grid. They each believed they could reinvent themselves and start fresh in the Galapagos."