James Carville Documentary Acquired by CNN Films

Matt Tyrnauer’s Carville: Winning Is Everything, Stupid, one of the buzziest documentaries set to premiere at this weekend’s Telluride Film Festival, has been acquired by CNN Films for television and SVOD. It will debut on CNN on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. ET, and will stream on Max later this fall, when it separately will receive an Oscar-qualifying run and theatrical release.

Carville, which was produced by Altimeter Films, chronicles an 18-month period during which its subject, legendary Democratic political strategist James Carville, was at the forefront of the charge to convince incumbent president Joe Biden to not seek re-election in 2024. The inimitable “Ragin’ Cajun” famously declared “It’s the economy, stupid” while running Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign.

The film also looks back at Carville’s rise from the bayou to the Beltway; includes footage of him at home in New Orleans with his wife, Republican strategist Mary Matalin, and crisscrossing the country; and features interviews with political notables including Clinton, Al Hunt, Donna Brazile, George Stephanopoulos, Paul Begala, Mandy Grunwald, Rev. Al Sharpton, Mitch Landrieu and Sidney Blumenthal.

“James Carville redefined the art of political consulting and has retained household name status since teaching the Democrats how to win again in the 1990s,” says Tyrnauer, whose previous docs include 2009’s Oscar-shortlisted Valentino: The Last Emperor, 2017’s Scotty and the Secret History of Hollywood, 2018’s Studio 54 and 2019’s Where’s My Roy Cohn? “While shooting this cinema verité film, he also emerged as a powerful change agent in the 2024 election, wielding his unique influence to upend the party’s nomination process. We are thrilled that CNN Films is as excited as we are to share the story of this American original with audiences. We can’t think of a better partner.”

Adds Amy Entelis, evp of talent for CNN Originals and creative development for CNN Worldwide: “Matt artfully crafts the rich story behind James Carville’s humble beginnings in Louisiana to finding success after 40, revealing how he became one of the most significant forces in modern politics. But the surprising heart of the film is James’ marriage with Republican strategist Mary Matalin. CNN Films is proud to bring audiences this unlikely love story which offers a glimmer of hope in our highly polarized times.”

In addition to Tyrnauer, the film’s producers are Susan McCue, Ryan Rothmaier, Graham High and Corey Reeser. The deal was negotiated by CNN group svp Stacey Wolf and WME on behalf of CNN Films and the filmmakers. Tyrnauer is repped by WME, Entertainment 360 and Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz.