Anchor Bay to release Murphy's last film

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Anchor Bay Entertainment says it has acquired the North American distribution rights for the last film appearance by the late Brittany Murphy.

The psychological thriller, "Abandoned," was directed by Michael Feifer. Co-starring Dean Cain and Mimi Rogers, it is slated to be released this summer.

"Anchor Bay established its reputation by releasing some of the most thrilling films on the market, and 'Abandoned' is a movie that delivers," Kevin Kasha -- senior vice president of acquisitions at Anchor Bay Films -- said in a statement Thursday. "'Abandoned' has the kind of twists and turns that will have the audience guessing until the end; and keep them talking after."

Murphy, whose film credits include "Sin City," "8 Mile," "Girl Interrupted" and "Clueless," died in December of natural causes at the age of 32.

"Brittany will be deeply missed by everyone who worked on 'Abandoned.' The film is a taut thriller which portrays Brittany's character as smart and tough -- and that's how we all want to remember her," producers Jeffrey Schenck and Barry Barnholtz said in a joint statement.

"Releasing this young actress's last film is both an honor and bittersweet. It was important to Anchor Bay that the timing of this release be right, because we're sensitive to such a tragic loss. However, we also recognize that Brittany's fans will want to see her amazing work," added Anchor Bay Entertainment President Bill Clark.