TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA — WWE Studios announced Friday it has acquired all U.S. distribution rights to the Toronto International Film Festival cult hit The Day, Doug Aarniokoski’s visceral action thriller. The film screened to sold-out crowds in the Midnight Madness section of the festival. WWE will use its television, digital/social media and print assets, which reach more than 20 million people domestically each week, to help maximize the release of film. (FILM PHOTOS)

“The Day is a renegade thrill-ride that will not disappoint audiences,” said newly named WWE Studios President Michael Luisi. “We went to Toronto looking for films to showcase and expand the WWE Studios brand and found exactly that with Doug’s exceptional film,” added Luisi.

"The Day has been a wild ride from start to finish and we are very excited that we have found the right home to get the film out to WWE fans in a big way. We could not be happier to be in business with WWE Studios," said director Aarniokoski.

Aarniokoski is currently directing the Lionsgate film, Nurse 3-D. The Day is a nightmarish 24-hour look into the lives of a band of survivors fighting to stay alive in a post-apocalyptic world.

The Day stars Shawn Ashmore (X-Men Trilogy), Ashley Bell (The Last Exorcism), Michael Eklund (Watchmen, 88 Minutes), Cory Hardrict (Battle Los Angeles, Gran Torino), Dominic Monaghan (“Lost,” Lord of the Rings trilogy), and Shannyn Sossamon (A Knight’s Tale, Road to Nowhere). The film features music by Rock Mafia.

The film was written by Luke Passmore and produced by Guy A. Danella. Doug Aarniokoski, Michael Finley, Tim James, Antonina Armato and Ross M. Dinerstein served as executive producers.

Kevin Iwashina of Preferred Content handled the sale to WWE Studios. Luisi and VP of Business and Legal Affairs Bradley Buchanan negotiated on behalf of WWE Studios, which beat out a number of other bidders for the film.