Marked Men: Rule + Shaw


Marked Men: Rule + Shaw is a 2025 American romantic drama film directed by Nick Cassavetes and written by Sharon Soboil. It is an adaptation of Jay Crownover's 2012 novel Rule, part of the Marked Men series. The film stars Chase Stokes as Rule Archer, a rebellious tattoo artist, and Sydney Taylor as Shaw Landon, a pre-med student from an affluent family. The supporting cast includes Alexander Ludwig, Ella Balinska, and Natalie Alyn Lind. Domestically, the film had a limited special engagement on January 22, 2025, though it did earn $1million in total from limited releases across various foreign markets.

Plot

Shaw Landon has harbored feelings for Rule Archer since she first met him. Despite their close friendship, Rule has always viewed Shaw as a family friend, unaware of her deeper emotions. As a pre-med student from a wealthy background, Shaw's life contrasts sharply with Rule's world as a fiery-tempered tattoo artist. A night of unexpected intimacy forces them to confront their true feelings and navigate the complexities of their differing backgrounds and family expectations.

Cast

In November 2024, it was announced that Nick Cassavetes would direct Marked Men: Rule + Shaw, with Sharon Soboil adapting the screenplay from Jay Crownover's novel. The film's score is composed by George Kallis.
The cast was confirmed in January 2023, with Chase Stokes and Sydney Taylor set to star. Also joining the cast were Ella Balinska, Evan Mock, Alexander Ludwig, Natalie Alyn Lind, Matthew Noszka, Hannah Kepple, Daisy Jelley, Michael Bradway, Adam Abbou, Inanna Sarkis, Paul Johansson, Tonya Cornelisse and Nancy de Mayo.

Release

Marked Men: Rule + Shaw had a limited theatrical release on January 22, 2025.