Apple Original Films Lands “Sponsor,” New Psychological Thriller Starring and Co-Written by Jason Segel

Apple Original Films today announced it has landed the global rights to “Sponsor” and Apple Studios will produce the new feature starring Jason Segel and directed by James Ponsoldt. Set to be shot in California, the film hails from an original idea co-written by Segel and Ponsoldt, who also serve as executive producers on Apple’s Emmy Award®-nominated comedy “Shrinking.”

In “Sponsor,” Peter (Segel) makes a big mistake when he gets behind the wheel after partying too hard. A terrible accident leaves him with a choice: prison or a recovery program. Convinced he doesn’t have a drinking problem, he begrudgingly shows up to his first meeting and searches for a sponsor. In walks no-nonsense, charismatic yet enigmatic Jerry. Peter is convinced Jerry is the answer to his prayers.

Hailing from Apple Studios and produced by Platinum Dunes, “Sponsor” will be produced by Segel and Ponsoldt, and Michael Bay, Brad Fuller, and Alex Ginno will produce for Platinum Dunes. The film marks the latest collaboration for Apple, Segel, and Ponsoldt following Emmy Award-nominated comedy “Shrinking,” which returns for its third season on January 28, 2026. Segel and Ponsoldt also previously collaborated on the 2015 feature “The End of the Tour,” in which Segel starred and Ponsoldt directed.