Open Road Films has acquired the distribution rights to Joe Carnahan's new drama The Grey. Earlier this week, the project had been shopped around to studios with a 30-minute demo reel which was generating buzz all around town. Studios such as Warner Bros., Summit Entertainment, Lionsgate, The Weinstein Company, and FilmDistrict were all vying for the rights.

The Grey stars Liam Neeson as the leader of an oil-rigging team who must fight to survive in the brutal Alaska wilderness during winter after their plane crashes. They also must fend off a rapid pack of wolves in this harrowing tale. Dallas Roberts, James Badge Dale, Dermot Mulroney, Frank Grillo, Nonso Anozie, and Joe Anderson round out the cast.

Joe Carnahan directs The Grey from a script he co-wrote with Ian Jeffers. There is no official word yet on when The Grey will be released. There is talk that Open Road Films may try to release the drama later this year, which could garner awards season buzz.