Exclusive: One of the market’s biggest-budget projects, the Will Smith action-crime thriller Sugar Bandits, has sealed multi-million dollar deals across the world for AGC ahead of a planned September start date.
Oscar winner Smith, soon to be seen reprising his role in the Bad Boys franchise, will play a former special forces soldier who runs an elite vigilante squad working to wipe out the drug trade in Boston.
As we revealed last week, the movie will be directed by Without Remorse, Sicario: Day of the Soldado and Gomorrah filmmaker Stefano Sollima, a move that helped lock in deals, some of which formed at the EFM and many of which closed here.
Big international deals include Leonine in Germany and Switzerland; Snd in France; Leone Film Group in Italy; Nordisk Film in Scandinavia; Sun Distribution in Spain, South Africa and Latin America; and Vertical Distribution in Ex Yugoslavia, Poland, Romania,...
Oscar winner Smith, soon to be seen reprising his role in the Bad Boys franchise, will play a former special forces soldier who runs an elite vigilante squad working to wipe out the drug trade in Boston.
As we revealed last week, the movie will be directed by Without Remorse, Sicario: Day of the Soldado and Gomorrah filmmaker Stefano Sollima, a move that helped lock in deals, some of which formed at the EFM and many of which closed here.
Big international deals include Leonine in Germany and Switzerland; Snd in France; Leone Film Group in Italy; Nordisk Film in Scandinavia; Sun Distribution in Spain, South Africa and Latin America; and Vertical Distribution in Ex Yugoslavia, Poland, Romania,...
- 5/20/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: On the eve of the Cannes market, Westbrook Studios and AGC Studios have set Italian filmmaker Stefano Sollima, known for directing Without Remorse, Sicario: Day of the Soldado and hit series Gomorrah, to helm big-budget action-thriller Sugar Bandits.
Based on the screenplay and novel Devils In Exile by Chuck Hogan (The Town), Oscar winner Will Smith (Bad Boys) will play a former special forces soldier who runs an elite vigilante squad working to wipe out the drug trade in Boston. Additional casting continues.
AGC International and CAA Media Finance represent the film’s worldwide distribution rights and will continue sales in Cannes, ahead of an anticipated fall production start.
Smith and Jon Mone will produce Sugar Bandits through Westbrook Studios with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing; Stuart Ford will produce for AGC Studios, which is fully financing; and Richard Abate (13 Hours) will produce for 3 Arts Entertainment. Sollima’s producing partners...
Based on the screenplay and novel Devils In Exile by Chuck Hogan (The Town), Oscar winner Will Smith (Bad Boys) will play a former special forces soldier who runs an elite vigilante squad working to wipe out the drug trade in Boston. Additional casting continues.
AGC International and CAA Media Finance represent the film’s worldwide distribution rights and will continue sales in Cannes, ahead of an anticipated fall production start.
Smith and Jon Mone will produce Sugar Bandits through Westbrook Studios with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing; Stuart Ford will produce for AGC Studios, which is fully financing; and Richard Abate (13 Hours) will produce for 3 Arts Entertainment. Sollima’s producing partners...
- 5/13/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Smith has been cast in the action thriller ‘Sugar Bandits,’ which is based on the Chuck Hogan book ‘Devils in Exile.’
The story centres on an Iraq War veteran who teams up with a crew of fellow vets to target the drug trade in Boston.
Hogan’s writing credits include ‘The Town’ and ‘The Strain’ (which he co-wrote with Guillermo del Toro) — wrote the screenplay.
Also in news – Leo Woodall & Quintessa Swindell set for conspiracy thriller ‘Prime Target’
Smith and Jon Mone will produce through Westbrook Studios with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing; Stuart Ford will produce for AGC Studios, which is fully financing the film; and Richard Abate will produce for 3 Arts Entertainment.
Smith’s upcoming movies include the untitled fourth ‘Bad Boys’ film, which is still in production, alongside the upcoming sequel to Zombie hit ‘I Am Legend,’ which is set to co-star Michael B. Jordan and see...
The story centres on an Iraq War veteran who teams up with a crew of fellow vets to target the drug trade in Boston.
Hogan’s writing credits include ‘The Town’ and ‘The Strain’ (which he co-wrote with Guillermo del Toro) — wrote the screenplay.
Also in news – Leo Woodall & Quintessa Swindell set for conspiracy thriller ‘Prime Target’
Smith and Jon Mone will produce through Westbrook Studios with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing; Stuart Ford will produce for AGC Studios, which is fully financing the film; and Richard Abate will produce for 3 Arts Entertainment.
Smith’s upcoming movies include the untitled fourth ‘Bad Boys’ film, which is still in production, alongside the upcoming sequel to Zombie hit ‘I Am Legend,’ which is set to co-star Michael B. Jordan and see...
- 2/15/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Los Angeles, Feb 15 (Ians) Hollywood star Will Smith will be seen in the upcoming high-octane actioner ‘Sugar Bandits’, where he will play an Iraq war veteran.
Based on the Chuck Hogan book ‘Devils in Exile’, the thriller centres on an Iraq war veteran who teams up with a crew of fellow vets to target the drug trade in Boston.
Hogan, whose writing credits include ‘The Town’ and ‘The Strain’ (which he co-wrote with Guillermo del Toro), penned the screenplay, reports Variety.
Smith and Jon Mone will produce through Westbrook Studios with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing; Stuart Ford will produce for AGC Studios, which is fully financing the film; and Richard Abate will produce for 3 Arts Entertainment.
‘Sugar Bandits’ marks the latest film for Smith, whose last major feature and the first since his infamous Oscars slap was Antoine Fuqua’s ‘Emancipation’, which sold to Apple TV+ in Cannes for a market record deal of $120 million,...
Based on the Chuck Hogan book ‘Devils in Exile’, the thriller centres on an Iraq war veteran who teams up with a crew of fellow vets to target the drug trade in Boston.
Hogan, whose writing credits include ‘The Town’ and ‘The Strain’ (which he co-wrote with Guillermo del Toro), penned the screenplay, reports Variety.
Smith and Jon Mone will produce through Westbrook Studios with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing; Stuart Ford will produce for AGC Studios, which is fully financing the film; and Richard Abate will produce for 3 Arts Entertainment.
‘Sugar Bandits’ marks the latest film for Smith, whose last major feature and the first since his infamous Oscars slap was Antoine Fuqua’s ‘Emancipation’, which sold to Apple TV+ in Cannes for a market record deal of $120 million,...
- 2/15/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh is set to star in the action thriller The Mother.
Melanie Laurent will direct the high-octane movie being shopped to international buyers in Berlin. Yeoh will play Ann, an immigrant mother and businesswoman looking to make the best of her new life in America for her family.
When her two teenage sons stumble into trouble with a Boston dirty cop and a crime ring, Ann has no choice but to rekindle her past and stop at nothing until they are safe. Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee will produce through Thunder Road, alongside Arthur Sarkissian and John Schramm.
The Mother will shoot in summer 2024. Stuart Ford will executive produce for AGC Studios alongside 30West, which is financing the pic.
AGC International and CAA Media Finance hold the film’s worldwide distribution rights and will introduce the film to buyers at EFM in Berlin. Yeoh is represented by Aig.
Melanie Laurent will direct the high-octane movie being shopped to international buyers in Berlin. Yeoh will play Ann, an immigrant mother and businesswoman looking to make the best of her new life in America for her family.
When her two teenage sons stumble into trouble with a Boston dirty cop and a crime ring, Ann has no choice but to rekindle her past and stop at nothing until they are safe. Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee will produce through Thunder Road, alongside Arthur Sarkissian and John Schramm.
The Mother will shoot in summer 2024. Stuart Ford will executive produce for AGC Studios alongside 30West, which is financing the pic.
AGC International and CAA Media Finance hold the film’s worldwide distribution rights and will introduce the film to buyers at EFM in Berlin. Yeoh is represented by Aig.
- 2/14/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Will Smith is attached to star in action-thriller Sugar Bandits, which is set to become a buzzy project at the upcoming European Film Market.
A logline is under wraps for the crime film that is based on author Chuck Hogan’s novel Devils in Exile. AGC Studios is financing the movie that does not yet have a director attached and will be shopped at the EFM this month in Berlin, where the market kicks off Thursday.
Smith and Jon Mone are producing for Westbrook Studios, and Ryan Shimazaki is overseeing the project. Producers also include Stuart Ford for AGC Studios and Richard Abate for 3 Arts Entertainment. AGC International and CAA Media Finance are handling worldwide distribution rights.
Hogan (The Town, 13 Hours) wrote the Sugar Bandits screenplay adapting his own 2010 novel. The book focuses on Boston-based Neal Maven, who returns from the Iraq War with little job prospects and...
A logline is under wraps for the crime film that is based on author Chuck Hogan’s novel Devils in Exile. AGC Studios is financing the movie that does not yet have a director attached and will be shopped at the EFM this month in Berlin, where the market kicks off Thursday.
Smith and Jon Mone are producing for Westbrook Studios, and Ryan Shimazaki is overseeing the project. Producers also include Stuart Ford for AGC Studios and Richard Abate for 3 Arts Entertainment. AGC International and CAA Media Finance are handling worldwide distribution rights.
Hogan (The Town, 13 Hours) wrote the Sugar Bandits screenplay adapting his own 2010 novel. The book focuses on Boston-based Neal Maven, who returns from the Iraq War with little job prospects and...
- 2/14/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Oscar winner Will Smith is attached to star in Sugar Bandits, which is one of the buzziest packages at the EFM market this week in Berlin.
The market’s biggest budget project — we hear it’s in the $80M range — is understood to follow a former Special Forces solider who joins an elite, vigilante squad aiming to wipe out the drug trade in Boston, but soon learns things are not what they seem.
Years ago the project was being set up at Universal with Joe Carnahan directing but is now launching in the independent market-place.
The action-crime pic is based on the screenplay and novel Devils In Exile by Chuck Hogan (The Town). Smith and Jon Mone will produce through Westbrook Studios with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing; Stuart Ford will produce for AGC Studios, which is fully financing the film; and Richard Abate (13 Hours) will produce for 3 Arts Entertainment.
The market’s biggest budget project — we hear it’s in the $80M range — is understood to follow a former Special Forces solider who joins an elite, vigilante squad aiming to wipe out the drug trade in Boston, but soon learns things are not what they seem.
Years ago the project was being set up at Universal with Joe Carnahan directing but is now launching in the independent market-place.
The action-crime pic is based on the screenplay and novel Devils In Exile by Chuck Hogan (The Town). Smith and Jon Mone will produce through Westbrook Studios with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing; Stuart Ford will produce for AGC Studios, which is fully financing the film; and Richard Abate (13 Hours) will produce for 3 Arts Entertainment.
- 2/14/2024
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Will Smith has lined up another hot title to his list of upcoming projects, having signed up to lead the cast of high-octane action thriller “Sugar Bandits.”
Based on the Chuck Hogan book “Devils in Exile,” the thriller centres on an Iraq War veteran who teams up with a crew of fellow vets to target the drug trade in Boston. Hogan — whose writing credits include “The Town” and “The Strain” (which he co-wrote with Guillermo del Toro) — penned the screenplay.
AGC International and CAA Media Finance represent the film’s worldwide distribution rights and will introduce the film to buyers at the upcoming EFM.
Smith and Jon Mone will produce through Westbrook Studios with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing; Stuart Ford will produce for AGC Studios, which is fully financing the film; and Richard Abate will produce for 3 Arts Entertainment.
“Sugar Bandits” marks the latest film for Smith, whose last major...
Based on the Chuck Hogan book “Devils in Exile,” the thriller centres on an Iraq War veteran who teams up with a crew of fellow vets to target the drug trade in Boston. Hogan — whose writing credits include “The Town” and “The Strain” (which he co-wrote with Guillermo del Toro) — penned the screenplay.
AGC International and CAA Media Finance represent the film’s worldwide distribution rights and will introduce the film to buyers at the upcoming EFM.
Smith and Jon Mone will produce through Westbrook Studios with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing; Stuart Ford will produce for AGC Studios, which is fully financing the film; and Richard Abate will produce for 3 Arts Entertainment.
“Sugar Bandits” marks the latest film for Smith, whose last major...
- 2/14/2024
- by Alex Ritman
- Variety Film + TV
There is no doubt Jonathan Majors’ star is shining brighter this year thanks to his villainous turns in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania and Creed III. On top of that, he’s gaining incredible buzz for his performance in the upcoming bodybuilding drama Magazine Dreams. Now, the former Lovecraft Country star is set to produce and star in a film titled Da Understudy. It is also reported that the project may even see a reunion with Majors and his Da 5 Bloods director, Spike Lee.
According to Deadline, “Da Understudy tells the story of life imitating art when the understudy of a Broadway production finds a role he’s willing to kill for.” The film will be made under Westbrook Studios and Amazon Studios. Majors is also set to produce the film under his production company, Tall Street Productions. Amazon Studios landed the script on spec in competition with other studios.
According to Deadline, “Da Understudy tells the story of life imitating art when the understudy of a Broadway production finds a role he’s willing to kill for.” The film will be made under Westbrook Studios and Amazon Studios. Majors is also set to produce the film under his production company, Tall Street Productions. Amazon Studios landed the script on spec in competition with other studios.
- 3/8/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
On the heels of a box office success with Creed III, Jonathan Majors has set up a new film project that could reteam him with his Da Five Bloods director Spike Lee.
Majors is set to star in Da Understudy, playing a Broadway actor who finds a role he’s willing to kill for.
Lee is in early talks to direct the feature and is set to executive produce. Westbrook Studios, which developed the screenplay by Tom Hanada, Zach Strauss and Tyler Cole, is behind the project. Majors will produce the feature under his Tall Street Productions umbrella. Amazon landed the script on spec.
In addition to Majors, Will Smith will produce for Westbrook, along with Jon Mone and Mike Soccio. Cole, who originated the story, will executive produce.
Ryan Shimazaki will oversee the project on behalf of Westbrook Studios, which is currently working on Bad Boys 4 and is...
Majors is set to star in Da Understudy, playing a Broadway actor who finds a role he’s willing to kill for.
Lee is in early talks to direct the feature and is set to executive produce. Westbrook Studios, which developed the screenplay by Tom Hanada, Zach Strauss and Tyler Cole, is behind the project. Majors will produce the feature under his Tall Street Productions umbrella. Amazon landed the script on spec.
In addition to Majors, Will Smith will produce for Westbrook, along with Jon Mone and Mike Soccio. Cole, who originated the story, will executive produce.
Ryan Shimazaki will oversee the project on behalf of Westbrook Studios, which is currently working on Bad Boys 4 and is...
- 3/7/2023
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hot on the heels of a historic opening weekend for “Creed III,” Jonathan Majors has set his next movie with Amazon Studios, titled “Da Understudy.”
Majors will star in and produce the film, under his Tall Street Productions banner, partnering with Westbrook Studios and Amazon. The project tells the story of “life imitating art when the understudy of a Broadway production finds a role he’s willing to kill for.”
Tom Hamada, Zach Stauss and Tyler Cole wrote the screenplay, which is based on an original story by Cole and developed in-house by Westbrook. Amazon Studios landed the script on spec in a competitive situation.
Sources tell Variety Spike Lee is in very early talks to direct the film, which would reunite the filmmaker and Majors after 2020’s “Da 5 Bloods.”
In addition to Majors, Will Smith, Jon Mone (Westbrook Studios co-president and head of motion pictures) and Mike Soccio will produce the film,...
Majors will star in and produce the film, under his Tall Street Productions banner, partnering with Westbrook Studios and Amazon. The project tells the story of “life imitating art when the understudy of a Broadway production finds a role he’s willing to kill for.”
Tom Hamada, Zach Stauss and Tyler Cole wrote the screenplay, which is based on an original story by Cole and developed in-house by Westbrook. Amazon Studios landed the script on spec in a competitive situation.
Sources tell Variety Spike Lee is in very early talks to direct the film, which would reunite the filmmaker and Majors after 2020’s “Da 5 Bloods.”
In addition to Majors, Will Smith, Jon Mone (Westbrook Studios co-president and head of motion pictures) and Mike Soccio will produce the film,...
- 3/7/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
“Creed 3” star Jonathan Majors is set to star in and produce “Da Understudy” from Westbrook Studios, now in development at Amazon Studios.
Spike Lee is in early talks to direct, according to an insider with knowledge of the project.
Majors will produce the feature under his Tall Street Productions umbrella. Amazon Studios landed the script on spec in a competitive situation.
Also Read:
Ari Emanuel’s Endeavor Group Invested in Elon Musk’s Twitter 2.0
Tom Hanada, Zach Strauss (“Smilf”) and Tyler Cole wrote the screenplay, which is based on an original story by Cole that was developed in-house by Westbrook.
“Da Understudy” tells the story of life imitating art when the understudy of a Broadway production finds a role he’s willing to kill for.
The news comes on the heels of the massive, record-breaking weekend for “Creed 3,” which became the biggest opening for a sports film in...
Spike Lee is in early talks to direct, according to an insider with knowledge of the project.
Majors will produce the feature under his Tall Street Productions umbrella. Amazon Studios landed the script on spec in a competitive situation.
Also Read:
Ari Emanuel’s Endeavor Group Invested in Elon Musk’s Twitter 2.0
Tom Hanada, Zach Strauss (“Smilf”) and Tyler Cole wrote the screenplay, which is based on an original story by Cole that was developed in-house by Westbrook.
“Da Understudy” tells the story of life imitating art when the understudy of a Broadway production finds a role he’s willing to kill for.
The news comes on the heels of the massive, record-breaking weekend for “Creed 3,” which became the biggest opening for a sports film in...
- 3/7/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Jonathan Majors is set to star in and produce Da Understudy from Westbrook Studios and Amazon Studios. Majors will produce the feature under his Tall Street Productions umbrella. Amazon Studios landed the script on spec in a competitive situation. Sources said that Spike Lee is circling to direct, which would reunite the filmmaker with Majors after Da 5 Bloods.
Tom Hanada (Motherland), Zach Strauss (Smilf) and Tyler Cole wrote the screenplay, which is based on an original story by Cole and developed in-house by Westbrook.
Related Story Michael B. Jordan On Knockout Directing Debut ‘Creed III,’ Trading Blows With Jonathan Majors Related Story Spike Lee Shows Gratitude For WGA Career Achievement Award But Also Checks New York Knicks Score On His Phone Onstage, Crowing, "Boston Sucks!" – Watch Related Story Michael B. Jordan And Jonathan Majors Liken Themselves To De Niro And Pacino In NY Times Interview
Deal comes after...
Tom Hanada (Motherland), Zach Strauss (Smilf) and Tyler Cole wrote the screenplay, which is based on an original story by Cole and developed in-house by Westbrook.
Related Story Michael B. Jordan On Knockout Directing Debut ‘Creed III,’ Trading Blows With Jonathan Majors Related Story Spike Lee Shows Gratitude For WGA Career Achievement Award But Also Checks New York Knicks Score On His Phone Onstage, Crowing, "Boston Sucks!" – Watch Related Story Michael B. Jordan And Jonathan Majors Liken Themselves To De Niro And Pacino In NY Times Interview
Deal comes after...
- 3/7/2023
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon’s MGM division is in final negotiations for worldwide distribution rights to a “Night of the Living Dead” sequel from director Nikyatu Jusu. The follow-up to George Romero’s horror classic will come courtesy of Village Roadshow Pictures, Vertigo Entertainment, Westbrook, Origin Story and the late Romero’s Sanibel Films.
Presuming the distribution deal comes to pass, the film, penned by “The Walking Dead” scribe Latoya Morgan, will be distributed by MGM as a theatrical release.
Released in 1968, “Night of the Living Dead” is considered one of the most influential and profitable theatrical films ever made. It essentially birthed the modern zombie movie (and the modern MPA ratings system) upon its release and led to decades of rip-offs, homages and zombie-specific media such as “The Walking Dead,” “Resident Evil” and Romero’s own ongoing zombie series like “Dawn of the Dead” in 1978 and “Survival of the Dead” in 2009.
Also...
Presuming the distribution deal comes to pass, the film, penned by “The Walking Dead” scribe Latoya Morgan, will be distributed by MGM as a theatrical release.
Released in 1968, “Night of the Living Dead” is considered one of the most influential and profitable theatrical films ever made. It essentially birthed the modern zombie movie (and the modern MPA ratings system) upon its release and led to decades of rip-offs, homages and zombie-specific media such as “The Walking Dead,” “Resident Evil” and Romero’s own ongoing zombie series like “Dawn of the Dead” in 1978 and “Survival of the Dead” in 2009.
Also...
- 12/15/2022
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
While Greg Nicotero gears up to make a movie about the making of George A. Romero’s 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead (watch it Here), Nikyatu Jusu – who recently made her feature directorial debut with the horror film Nanny, which reaches Amazon Prime this Friday (December 16th) – is gearing up to make a sequel to Romero’s film. And now Deadline reports that MGM is in final negotiations to acquire the worldwide distribution rights to Jusu’s Night of the Living Dead sequel. MGM is planning to give the film a theatrical release.
This Night of the Living Dead sequel is coming to us from Romero’s ex-wife Christine Romero, the late George A. Romero’s Sanibel Films, Origin Story, Vertigo, and Westbrook Studios. Romero is the creative overseer on the project, producing alongside Village Roadshow’s Jillian Apfelbaum, Nic Gordon, and Tristen Tuckfeld, Origin Story’s Ryan Silbert,...
This Night of the Living Dead sequel is coming to us from Romero’s ex-wife Christine Romero, the late George A. Romero’s Sanibel Films, Origin Story, Vertigo, and Westbrook Studios. Romero is the creative overseer on the project, producing alongside Village Roadshow’s Jillian Apfelbaum, Nic Gordon, and Tristen Tuckfeld, Origin Story’s Ryan Silbert,...
- 12/15/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Amazon’s MGM division is in final negotiations to acquire worldwide rights to the Night of the Living Dead sequel that Nikyatu Jusu (Nanny) is directing for Village Roadshow Pictures, Vertigo Entertainment, Westbrook, Origin Story and the late George A. Romero’s Sanibel Films.
While specifics as to the financials haven’t been disclosed, we understand that the deal has emerged from a highly competitive situation. The Walking Dead‘s Latoya Morgan scripted the film we were first to report on, which will be released by MGM theatrically.
Credited with launching the zombie subgenre, as well as the career of horror icon George A. Romero, the original 1968 indie Night of the Living Dead is considered to be one of the most influential and profitable films ever made. While spurring countless other projects over the years in the flesh-eating arena, Romero’s film launched a franchise of its own that...
While specifics as to the financials haven’t been disclosed, we understand that the deal has emerged from a highly competitive situation. The Walking Dead‘s Latoya Morgan scripted the film we were first to report on, which will be released by MGM theatrically.
Credited with launching the zombie subgenre, as well as the career of horror icon George A. Romero, the original 1968 indie Night of the Living Dead is considered to be one of the most influential and profitable films ever made. While spurring countless other projects over the years in the flesh-eating arena, Romero’s film launched a franchise of its own that...
- 12/15/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Since the distributor failed to put a copyright notice on the film, George A. Romero‘s 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead was released directly into the public domain. Because of that, anyone can release it, remake it, sequelize it, profit off of it in any way they want. And many have. So it’s not surprising to hear the announcement that a Night of the Living Dead sequel is in the works. What’s pleasantly surprising is that this one has the official backing of Romero’s ex-wife Christine Romero!
Deadline reports that the Christine Romero-approved sequel is set to be directed by Nikyatu Jusu, who recently made her feature directorial debut with Nanny, which became the first horror film to win the U.S. Grand Jury Prize for drama at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Jusu will be working from a screenplay written by Latoya Morgan,...
Deadline reports that the Christine Romero-approved sequel is set to be directed by Nikyatu Jusu, who recently made her feature directorial debut with Nanny, which became the first horror film to win the U.S. Grand Jury Prize for drama at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. Jusu will be working from a screenplay written by Latoya Morgan,...
- 10/27/2022
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
George Romero’s classic zombie movie “Night of the Living Dead” is getting a sequel, with Village Roadshow Pictures partnering with the late Romero’s production company on a new film to be directed by “Nanny” filmmaker Nikyatu Jusu.
The new “Night of the Living Dead” film will be an expansion of the 1968 original and is being conceived as a potential franchise, though plot details are being kept under wraps. Latoya Morgan of “The Walking Dead” fame is writing the script.
Village Roadshow is putting together the film as a package to be presented to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market. They’ll be partnering with Chris Romero and George A. Romero’s Sanibel Films, as well as Origin Story, Vertigo and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios.
CAA Media Finance and Village Roadshow Pictures to co-represent U.S. rights. FilmNation is handling international sales and will introduce the project to buyers at AFM.
The new “Night of the Living Dead” film will be an expansion of the 1968 original and is being conceived as a potential franchise, though plot details are being kept under wraps. Latoya Morgan of “The Walking Dead” fame is writing the script.
Village Roadshow is putting together the film as a package to be presented to buyers at the upcoming American Film Market. They’ll be partnering with Chris Romero and George A. Romero’s Sanibel Films, as well as Origin Story, Vertigo and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios.
CAA Media Finance and Village Roadshow Pictures to co-represent U.S. rights. FilmNation is handling international sales and will introduce the project to buyers at AFM.
- 10/27/2022
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Exclusive: In an American Film Market package coming together that could wake the dead, Village Roadshow Pictures has partnered with Chris Romero and the late George A. Romero’s Sanibel Films, Origin Story, Vertigo and Westbrook Studios on what all hope will create a new franchise from Night of the Living Dead.
That is the 1968 Pittsburgh-shot film that godfathered the flesh-eating zombie genre that has nourished Hollywood in countless movies and series like The Walking Dead and its spinoffs. The film will be directed by Nikyatu Jusu and written by Latoya Morgan. They are keeping the logline under wraps, but clearly hungry corpses will be on the menu.
‘Night of the Living Dead’
CAA Media Finance and Village Roadshow Pictures will co-rep U.S. rights, and FilmNation is handling international rights and will introduce the project to buyers at AFM.
Nikyatu Jusu last month at Toronto
Jusu earlier this year...
That is the 1968 Pittsburgh-shot film that godfathered the flesh-eating zombie genre that has nourished Hollywood in countless movies and series like The Walking Dead and its spinoffs. The film will be directed by Nikyatu Jusu and written by Latoya Morgan. They are keeping the logline under wraps, but clearly hungry corpses will be on the menu.
‘Night of the Living Dead’
CAA Media Finance and Village Roadshow Pictures will co-rep U.S. rights, and FilmNation is handling international rights and will introduce the project to buyers at AFM.
Nikyatu Jusu last month at Toronto
Jusu earlier this year...
- 10/26/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Updated, September 20 at 6:55pm Et: Paramount confirmed the following news to IndieWire via email.
Published earlier: Will Smith is set to produce an adaptation of the novel “Brilliance,” with two-time Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy making her narrative feature directorial debut.
Four-time Emmy winner Obaid-Chinoy most recently helmed Episodes 4 and 5 of Disney+ series “Ms. Marvel.” The adaptation of Marcus Sakey’s novel is produced by Paramount Pictures and has been dubbed a “passion project” for Oscar winner Smith and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, who collaborated on “I, Robot,” “I Am Legend,” and “Hancock.”
The book centers on Nick Cooper, a federal agent who works for the Department of Analysis and Response and is tasked with tracking down the 1 percent of non-neurotypical people deemed “abnorms,” or “Brilliants,” who are born with special powers. The character Nick is a parent of a Brilliant daughter and is also an abnorm himself, in a “Blade Runner”-esque twist.
Published earlier: Will Smith is set to produce an adaptation of the novel “Brilliance,” with two-time Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy making her narrative feature directorial debut.
Four-time Emmy winner Obaid-Chinoy most recently helmed Episodes 4 and 5 of Disney+ series “Ms. Marvel.” The adaptation of Marcus Sakey’s novel is produced by Paramount Pictures and has been dubbed a “passion project” for Oscar winner Smith and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman, who collaborated on “I, Robot,” “I Am Legend,” and “Hancock.”
The book centers on Nick Cooper, a federal agent who works for the Department of Analysis and Response and is tasked with tracking down the 1 percent of non-neurotypical people deemed “abnorms,” or “Brilliants,” who are born with special powers. The character Nick is a parent of a Brilliant daughter and is also an abnorm himself, in a “Blade Runner”-esque twist.
- 9/20/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Four-time Emmy- and two-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy will make her narrative feature directorial debut on Brilliance, the Paramount Pictures adaptation of the Marcus Sakey novel. Pic has been a passion project for Will Smith and Akiva Goldsman who did I, Robot, I Am Legend and Hancock together. The hope remains that the film is a star vehicle for Smith, though sources said he hasn’t committed to star. Goldsman wrote the script.
Obaid-Chinoy is best known for directing her Oscar-winning documentary shorts Saving Face and A Girl in the River, The Price of Forgiveness and most recently Ms Marvel. Smith is producing via his company Westbrook Studios with Jon Mone and Ryan Shimazaki. Goldsman and Greg Lessans are producing via Weed Road Pictures, along with Shane Salerno via The Story Factory, and James Lassiter. The author is co-producer.
The premise: If 1 of the world’s children were born with powerful gifts,...
Obaid-Chinoy is best known for directing her Oscar-winning documentary shorts Saving Face and A Girl in the River, The Price of Forgiveness and most recently Ms Marvel. Smith is producing via his company Westbrook Studios with Jon Mone and Ryan Shimazaki. Goldsman and Greg Lessans are producing via Weed Road Pictures, along with Shane Salerno via The Story Factory, and James Lassiter. The author is co-producer.
The premise: If 1 of the world’s children were born with powerful gifts,...
- 9/20/2022
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Nothing happened the way it was supposed to happen, especially when it came to the “I Am Legend” sequel.
A decade after Will Smith shut down rumors of a second installment, the Oscar nominee officially signed on to “I Am Legend 2” — thanks to co-star Michael B. Jordan’s story concept.
“It was one of those ones I was gonna leave alone, and then I heard the idea,” Smith told Entertainment Tonight. “That might work. I think we can do that.”
Smith teased that while the plot is still under wraps, “it’s a really, really cool concept,” and Jordan was “part of creating the idea.”
Both Smith and Jordan are set to produce. Akiva Goldsman, who co-wrote the original film, is returning to write the sequel, per Deadline. A director is not yet publicly attached to the project.
Smith spoke on the red carpet at the Santa Barbara Film Festival,...
A decade after Will Smith shut down rumors of a second installment, the Oscar nominee officially signed on to “I Am Legend 2” — thanks to co-star Michael B. Jordan’s story concept.
“It was one of those ones I was gonna leave alone, and then I heard the idea,” Smith told Entertainment Tonight. “That might work. I think we can do that.”
Smith teased that while the plot is still under wraps, “it’s a really, really cool concept,” and Jordan was “part of creating the idea.”
Both Smith and Jordan are set to produce. Akiva Goldsman, who co-wrote the original film, is returning to write the sequel, per Deadline. A director is not yet publicly attached to the project.
Smith spoke on the red carpet at the Santa Barbara Film Festival,...
- 3/8/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Michael B. Jordan and Will Smith are set to team up on a sequel to Smith’s 2007 blockbuster ‘I Am Legend’.
The project is currently in the development stage and plot details are being kept locked up and the search for a director to take the helm has yet to be undertaken.
As well as starring in the new project Jordan and Smith will also produce. Jordan and Elizabeth Raposo are producing via their Outlier Society banner. Smith and Westbrook Studios Co-President/Head of Motion Pictures Jon Mone will produce the project, with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing on behalf of Westbrook Studios. James Lassiter will serve as EP. Goldsman and Greg Lessans will also produce via Weed Road Pictures.
Also in news – ‘West Side Story’ star Ariana DeBose set for ‘Kraven the Hunter’
The original movie starred Smith in a deserted post-apocalyptic New York City amid zombies, opened to $77.2M in...
The project is currently in the development stage and plot details are being kept locked up and the search for a director to take the helm has yet to be undertaken.
As well as starring in the new project Jordan and Smith will also produce. Jordan and Elizabeth Raposo are producing via their Outlier Society banner. Smith and Westbrook Studios Co-President/Head of Motion Pictures Jon Mone will produce the project, with Ryan Shimazaki overseeing on behalf of Westbrook Studios. James Lassiter will serve as EP. Goldsman and Greg Lessans will also produce via Weed Road Pictures.
Also in news – ‘West Side Story’ star Ariana DeBose set for ‘Kraven the Hunter’
The original movie starred Smith in a deserted post-apocalyptic New York City amid zombies, opened to $77.2M in...
- 3/7/2022
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Will Smith and Michael B. Jordan will star and produce an “I Am Legend” follow-up feature, penned by Akiva Goldsman for Warner Bros.
Smith shared a teaser photo alluding to the partnership following the news, and tagged Jordan in the post.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)
Oscar winner Goldsman and Mark Protosevich adapted Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel for the original 2007 film and returns to pen the follow-up. Details about the new movie, including its plot and who will direct, are scarce as it is still in development.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, “I Am Legend” starred Smith as virologist Robert Neville, the sole survivor in New York City of a man-made plague that transforms humans into bloodthirsty mutants, and follows him while he fights to find a cure. The movie opened at the top of the domestic box office, with a $77 million haul, and...
Smith shared a teaser photo alluding to the partnership following the news, and tagged Jordan in the post.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)
Oscar winner Goldsman and Mark Protosevich adapted Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel for the original 2007 film and returns to pen the follow-up. Details about the new movie, including its plot and who will direct, are scarce as it is still in development.
Directed by Francis Lawrence, “I Am Legend” starred Smith as virologist Robert Neville, the sole survivor in New York City of a man-made plague that transforms humans into bloodthirsty mutants, and follows him while he fights to find a cure. The movie opened at the top of the domestic box office, with a $77 million haul, and...
- 3/4/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Will Smith is set to return for a sequel to his 2007 movie “I Am Legend” at Warner Bros., and he’ll be joined in the cast by Michael B. Jordan, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
In the original film from 2007, Smith starred as the last man in New York after a plague has wiped out most of humanity and turned the rest into zombies. A sequel to the film has been in the offing ever since, but never quite came together. Until now.
While plot details are being kept under wraps for the new movie, Akiva Goldsman is returning to both write and produce the follow-up after he originally adapted the “I Am Legend” screenplay based on a book of the same name by Richard Matheson.
No director is attached to the “I Am Legend” sequel at this stage. Francis Lawrence directed the first film.
Both...
In the original film from 2007, Smith starred as the last man in New York after a plague has wiped out most of humanity and turned the rest into zombies. A sequel to the film has been in the offing ever since, but never quite came together. Until now.
While plot details are being kept under wraps for the new movie, Akiva Goldsman is returning to both write and produce the follow-up after he originally adapted the “I Am Legend” screenplay based on a book of the same name by Richard Matheson.
No director is attached to the “I Am Legend” sequel at this stage. Francis Lawrence directed the first film.
Both...
- 3/4/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Warner Bros. is really upping the stakes to its I Am Legend franchise to a stratospheric level and bringing back for the next chapter, not just original star Will Smith, but he’ll be joined by Black Panther actor Michael B. Jordan in what will rep the duo’s first big movie together as stars and producers. Talk about two big stars getting together, between Smith and Jordan combined, their movies have grossed a massive $12.3 billion at the box office.
Plot details, of course, are being kept under wraps.
Oscar winner Akiva Goldsman, who adapted the Richard Matheson 1954 novel, is also returning to pen the follow-up and producer as well.
All these deals are closed, I understand, and a director is not attached as of yet as the project is still being developed. Francis Lawrence directed the original 2007 movie.
Jordan and Elizabeth Raposo are producing via their Outlier Society banner.
Plot details, of course, are being kept under wraps.
Oscar winner Akiva Goldsman, who adapted the Richard Matheson 1954 novel, is also returning to pen the follow-up and producer as well.
All these deals are closed, I understand, and a director is not attached as of yet as the project is still being developed. Francis Lawrence directed the original 2007 movie.
Jordan and Elizabeth Raposo are producing via their Outlier Society banner.
- 3/4/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jada Pinkett Smith (The Matrix Resurrections) has signed on to star in Redd Zone, a new Netflix drama from Emmy-nominated screenwriter Kristin Layne Tucker (A Black Lady Sketch Show), Oscar-winning director Matthew A. Cherry (Hair Love) and Westbrook Studios.
Based on a true story, Redd Zone follows Tia Magee (Smith), a single mother who steps forward to help her sons and their high school football teammates, “The Bros,” heal after the murder of their best friend, Dominic Redd. One by one, The Bros start moving into her house, and soon 17 are living under her roof. Eventually, all The Bros go to college, with four making it to the NFL. The film is dedicated to Redd’s memory, and to the powerful impact he had on his community.
Smith, Miguel Melendez and Westbrook Studios’ Co-President and Head of Motion Pictures Jon Mone will produce, with Emmy nominee Howard Burkons and...
Based on a true story, Redd Zone follows Tia Magee (Smith), a single mother who steps forward to help her sons and their high school football teammates, “The Bros,” heal after the murder of their best friend, Dominic Redd. One by one, The Bros start moving into her house, and soon 17 are living under her roof. Eventually, all The Bros go to college, with four making it to the NFL. The film is dedicated to Redd’s memory, and to the powerful impact he had on his community.
Smith, Miguel Melendez and Westbrook Studios’ Co-President and Head of Motion Pictures Jon Mone will produce, with Emmy nominee Howard Burkons and...
- 1/11/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Drums, please! Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios, along with Davis Entertainment, is developing a hip-hop musical called “Summertime” inspired by the hit song by DJ Jazzy Jeff and Smith himself, aka The Fresh Prince.
The musical film is set at Sony’s Screen Gems and will be directed and written by Peter Saji (“Black-ish”) in his directorial debut.
“Summertime” is the 1991 single by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince off their album “Homebase.” The duo won a Grammy on behalf of the track, which hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become a summer anthem.
Plot details for the movie are being kept under wraps.
Will Smith and Jon Mone will produce “Summertime” for Westbrook Studios alongside John Davis, John Fox and Jeremy Stein for Davis Entertainment, and Giselle Johnson for Screen Gems. Ryan Shimazaki will oversee the project on behalf of Westbrook.
Sony Music controls the main recording for “Summertime,...
The musical film is set at Sony’s Screen Gems and will be directed and written by Peter Saji (“Black-ish”) in his directorial debut.
“Summertime” is the 1991 single by DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince off their album “Homebase.” The duo won a Grammy on behalf of the track, which hit No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has since become a summer anthem.
Plot details for the movie are being kept under wraps.
Will Smith and Jon Mone will produce “Summertime” for Westbrook Studios alongside John Davis, John Fox and Jeremy Stein for Davis Entertainment, and Giselle Johnson for Screen Gems. Ryan Shimazaki will oversee the project on behalf of Westbrook.
Sony Music controls the main recording for “Summertime,...
- 9/22/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Westbrook Studios and Davis Entertainment have entered development on Summertime, a hip-hop musical based on Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff’s song of the same name, which Peter Saji will write and direct for Sony Pictures’ Screen Gems, in his feature debut.
“Summertime” was the lead single on DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s fourth studio album, Homebase, and won the collaborators a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Since its release back in May of 1991, the song has endured as a beloved summer anthem. Sony Music controls the main recording, with Sony/Atv holding publishing rights outside of the U.S.
For now, Summertime’s plot is being kept under wraps. Smith and Jon Mone will produce for Westbrook Studios, alongside Davis Entertainment’s John Davis, John Fox and Jeremy Stein, and Screen Gems’ Giselle Johnson. Ryan Shimazaki will oversee the project on behalf of Westbrook.
“Summertime” was the lead single on DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince’s fourth studio album, Homebase, and won the collaborators a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Since its release back in May of 1991, the song has endured as a beloved summer anthem. Sony Music controls the main recording, with Sony/Atv holding publishing rights outside of the U.S.
For now, Summertime’s plot is being kept under wraps. Smith and Jon Mone will produce for Westbrook Studios, alongside Davis Entertainment’s John Davis, John Fox and Jeremy Stein, and Screen Gems’ Giselle Johnson. Ryan Shimazaki will oversee the project on behalf of Westbrook.
- 9/22/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Netflix has acquired the worldwide rights to “Fast & Loose,” an action thriller that will star Will Smith and has David Leitch attached to direct.
Netflix acquired the film from STXfilms, which is producing with Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Leitch’s 87North.
“Fast & Loose” stars Smith as a man who wakes up in Tijuana, Mexico, with no memories. As he pieces together his past, he learns that he’s been living two lives, one as a crime kingpin and the other as an undercover CIA agent.
Jon Hoeber and Erich Hoeber (“Red”) wrote the screenplay.
David Leitch and Kelly McCormick are producing for 87North, Will Smith, Jon Mone and Ryan Shimazaki are producing for Westbrook Studios, as is James Lassiter.
Smith will next be seen in the Richard Williams biopic “King Richard,” and he’s currently filming the slave drama “Emancipation” from director Antoine Fuqua. He’s also meant to return for “Bright 2,...
Netflix acquired the film from STXfilms, which is producing with Smith’s Westbrook Studios and Leitch’s 87North.
“Fast & Loose” stars Smith as a man who wakes up in Tijuana, Mexico, with no memories. As he pieces together his past, he learns that he’s been living two lives, one as a crime kingpin and the other as an undercover CIA agent.
Jon Hoeber and Erich Hoeber (“Red”) wrote the screenplay.
David Leitch and Kelly McCormick are producing for 87North, Will Smith, Jon Mone and Ryan Shimazaki are producing for Westbrook Studios, as is James Lassiter.
Smith will next be seen in the Richard Williams biopic “King Richard,” and he’s currently filming the slave drama “Emancipation” from director Antoine Fuqua. He’s also meant to return for “Bright 2,...
- 7/27/2021
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Exclusive: In what marks another big starry package for Netflix the streamer has acquired worldwide rights to the action thriller Fast & Loose from STXfilms, with Will Smith set to star and David Leitch to direct. Jon Hoeber and Erich Hoeber penned the script.
Deadline first reported in February that the package was hitting the market with every major player involved in the bidding war. Netflix would eventually win rights and has taken its time in negotiating the deals.
The film follows a man who wakes up in Tijuana with no memories. As he pieces together his past, he learns he’s been living two lives, one as a crime kingpin and the other as an undercover CIA agent.
Leitch and Kelly McCormick will produce for 87North along with STXfilms and Westbrook Studios’ Smith, Co-President and Head of Motion Pictures Jon Mone, Ryan Shimazaki and James Lassiter.
Leitch and Smith and their companies are plenty busy.
Deadline first reported in February that the package was hitting the market with every major player involved in the bidding war. Netflix would eventually win rights and has taken its time in negotiating the deals.
The film follows a man who wakes up in Tijuana with no memories. As he pieces together his past, he learns he’s been living two lives, one as a crime kingpin and the other as an undercover CIA agent.
Leitch and Kelly McCormick will produce for 87North along with STXfilms and Westbrook Studios’ Smith, Co-President and Head of Motion Pictures Jon Mone, Ryan Shimazaki and James Lassiter.
Leitch and Smith and their companies are plenty busy.
- 7/27/2021
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios have optioned rights to the graphic novel Canto and are adapting the fantasy series as an animated feature.
Co-creator and writer of Canto, David M. Booher is set to write the screenplay and will executive produce the project alongside co-creator and series illustrator Drew Zucker. Westbrook Studios Co-President and Head of Motion Pictures, Jon Mone will produce. Ryan Shimazaki will oversee the project on behalf of Westbrook Studios.
For generations, Canto and his fellow tin-people have been enslaved in the land of Arcana, their hearts replaced with clocks. Though love is forbidden, that hasn’t stopped Canto from falling in love with a Tin Girl. When the slavers damage the tin girl’s clock beyond repair, Canto leaves Arcana to go on a quest and find his people’s missing hearts. Along the way, Canto befriends a fierce Malorex, finds...
Co-creator and writer of Canto, David M. Booher is set to write the screenplay and will executive produce the project alongside co-creator and series illustrator Drew Zucker. Westbrook Studios Co-President and Head of Motion Pictures, Jon Mone will produce. Ryan Shimazaki will oversee the project on behalf of Westbrook Studios.
For generations, Canto and his fellow tin-people have been enslaved in the land of Arcana, their hearts replaced with clocks. Though love is forbidden, that hasn’t stopped Canto from falling in love with a Tin Girl. When the slavers damage the tin girl’s clock beyond repair, Canto leaves Arcana to go on a quest and find his people’s missing hearts. Along the way, Canto befriends a fierce Malorex, finds...
- 3/11/2021
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
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