A 15-year-old “Lord of the Rings” fan film titled “The Hunt for Gollum” is back online and streaming on YouTube after it was temporarily blocked in the aftermath of Warner Bros. revealing its next “Rings” movie has the same title (via Entertainment Weekly). The fan film, which centers on Gandalf tasking Aragorn with hunting down Gollum before the latter can find Frodo and the One Ring, has earned 13 million views since its debut more than a decade ago.
The fan-created “Hunt for Gollum” was unavailable to watch on May 9 after Warner Bros. announced Andy Serkis is starring in and directing “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.” Viewers got the following message on the fan film: “This video contains content from Warner Bros. Entertainment, who has blocked it on copyright grounds.” The fan film was restored on YouTube by the morning of May 10.
Warner Bros.’ new “Rings” movie...
The fan-created “Hunt for Gollum” was unavailable to watch on May 9 after Warner Bros. announced Andy Serkis is starring in and directing “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.” Viewers got the following message on the fan film: “This video contains content from Warner Bros. Entertainment, who has blocked it on copyright grounds.” The fan film was restored on YouTube by the morning of May 10.
Warner Bros.’ new “Rings” movie...
- 5/10/2024
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Andy Serkis is returning to the 'Lord of The Rings' franchise to star in and direct a new movie based around his character Gollum.The actor is stepping behind the camera to take charge of 'Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum' - the first of several new films in the series being planned by Warner Bros. - with the original trilogy's director Peter Jackson set to be involved in the production alongside his longtime writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens who will pen the screenplay.Andy said in a statement: "Yesssss, Precious. The time has come once more to venture into the unknown with my dear friends, the extraordinary and incomparable guardians of Middle-earth Peter, Fran and Philippa. "With Mike and Pam [Warner Bros chiefs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy], and the Warner Bros team on the quest as well, alongside [special effects company] Weta and our film making family in New Zealand,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Louise Mary Randell
- Bang Showbiz
Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group’s Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy announced today that the Oscar-winning team behind the nearly $6 billion blockbuster Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens are reuniting to produce two new films from Tolkien’s Middle-earth for Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema.
The first of the two films, Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, will be directed by and star Andy Serkis, with Walsh and Boyens set to write the screenplay, along with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou (Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim). The film will be executive produced by Ken Kamins, with Serkis and The Imaginarium’s Jonathan Cavendish.
Said De Luca and Abdy, “For over two decades, moviegoers have embraced the Lord of the Rings film trilogy because of the undeniable devotion Peter, Fran, and Philippa have...
The first of the two films, Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, will be directed by and star Andy Serkis, with Walsh and Boyens set to write the screenplay, along with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou (Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim). The film will be executive produced by Ken Kamins, with Serkis and The Imaginarium’s Jonathan Cavendish.
Said De Luca and Abdy, “For over two decades, moviegoers have embraced the Lord of the Rings film trilogy because of the undeniable devotion Peter, Fran, and Philippa have...
- 5/9/2024
- by Mirko Parlevliet
- Vital Thrills
Warner Bros. has made it official: It will be returning to Middle-earth.
On Warner Bros. Discovery’s first-quarter earnings conference call on Thursday, CEO David Zaslav said that the company is “now in the early stages of script development” for new Lord of the Rings movies, which he says they “anticipate releasing in 2026” and will “explore storylines yet to be told.”
The first film, from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, will be called Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (working title), with Andy Serkis set to star and direct the feature,
Zaslav says that director Peter Jackson and his longtime writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens “will be involved every step of the way.” Boyens and Walsh will write the screenplay. The deal covers two films in the franchise.
“It is an honor and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator,...
On Warner Bros. Discovery’s first-quarter earnings conference call on Thursday, CEO David Zaslav said that the company is “now in the early stages of script development” for new Lord of the Rings movies, which he says they “anticipate releasing in 2026” and will “explore storylines yet to be told.”
The first film, from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Pictures, will be called Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum (working title), with Andy Serkis set to star and direct the feature,
Zaslav says that director Peter Jackson and his longtime writing partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens “will be involved every step of the way.” Boyens and Walsh will write the screenplay. The deal covers two films in the franchise.
“It is an honor and a privilege to travel back to Middle-earth with our good friend and collaborator,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Bros. will release the first of its new batch of live-action “The Lord of the Rings” films in 2026, which will focus on Andy Serkis’ Gollum.
Original “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy filmmaker Peter Jackson and his partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are producing the movie and “will be involved every step of the way,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said during an earnings call Thursday.
The project is currently in the early stages of script development from writers Walsh and Boyens, along with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, and will “explore storylines yet to be told,” Zaslav said.
In a press release from Warner Bros. later Thursday morning, the studio revealed that the working title for the film is “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” and it will be directed by and star Serkis in his iconic titular role. The film will be executive produced by Ken Kamins,...
Original “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy filmmaker Peter Jackson and his partners Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens are producing the movie and “will be involved every step of the way,” Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav said during an earnings call Thursday.
The project is currently in the early stages of script development from writers Walsh and Boyens, along with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, and will “explore storylines yet to be told,” Zaslav said.
In a press release from Warner Bros. later Thursday morning, the studio revealed that the working title for the film is “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” and it will be directed by and star Serkis in his iconic titular role. The film will be executive produced by Ken Kamins,...
- 5/9/2024
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman’s company T-Street has signed a two-picture producing deal with Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group.
Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, who took over as the studio’s co-chairs and CEOs in 2022, orchestrated the deal. It marks the producers’ first collaboration with Warner Bros., having previously worked with Lionsgate on the box office hit “Knives Out,” Netflix on its sequel “Glass Onion,” Disney on “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and Focus Features on the neo-noir thriller “Brick.” It’s unclear if Johnson will direct either of the two films that he’ll be overseeing at Warner Bros.
“Mike and Pam’s renewed commitment to original storytelling and the theatrical experience make Warner Bros. Discovery an ideal place to help us bring the filmmakers we love to audiences around the world on a grand scale,” said Johnson and Bergman. “We’re thrilled to have them as partners.
Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, who took over as the studio’s co-chairs and CEOs in 2022, orchestrated the deal. It marks the producers’ first collaboration with Warner Bros., having previously worked with Lionsgate on the box office hit “Knives Out,” Netflix on its sequel “Glass Onion,” Disney on “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and Focus Features on the neo-noir thriller “Brick.” It’s unclear if Johnson will direct either of the two films that he’ll be overseeing at Warner Bros.
“Mike and Pam’s renewed commitment to original storytelling and the theatrical experience make Warner Bros. Discovery an ideal place to help us bring the filmmakers we love to audiences around the world on a grand scale,” said Johnson and Bergman. “We’re thrilled to have them as partners.
- 3/18/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
As they prepare to start the third installment of the Knives Out trilogy with Daniel Craig to shoot later this year, T-Street partners Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman have made a two-picture producing deal with the Warner Bros Motion Picture Group.
T-Street becomes the latest in a flurry of A-listers to align with studio co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, after they made alliances with Tom Cruise and stepped up to acquire a film that reunites writer-director Ryan Coogler and Michael B Jordan in a period genre movie to shoot later this year.
Johnson and Bergman will have two “put” pictures, meaning the studio will make what they agree on. Their most recently produced film like that was American Fiction, the Cord Jefferson directorial debut that was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar among five noms; Jefferson won Best Adapted Screenplay. T-Street also produced the Sundance drama Fair Play,...
T-Street becomes the latest in a flurry of A-listers to align with studio co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, after they made alliances with Tom Cruise and stepped up to acquire a film that reunites writer-director Ryan Coogler and Michael B Jordan in a period genre movie to shoot later this year.
Johnson and Bergman will have two “put” pictures, meaning the studio will make what they agree on. Their most recently produced film like that was American Fiction, the Cord Jefferson directorial debut that was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar among five noms; Jefferson won Best Adapted Screenplay. T-Street also produced the Sundance drama Fair Play,...
- 3/18/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
The last American movie star. The savior of cinema. Maverick. There are plenty of superlatives thrown around Tom Cruise these days—including by us—and for good reason. In an era where audiences increasingly only venture to the theater for familiar intellectual property (if at all), Tom Cruise remains one of the last old school marquee names people turn out for in order to watch the actor.
And more often than not, they’re justified in that trust, because Cruise has spent his middle-age proving that like his most popular alter-ego—Navy pilot Pete Mitchell—he has no intention of turning in his wings. It’s a common observation to even note that the Mission: Impossible movies Cruise made in his 50s were better than the ones he made in his 30s, and his dedication to in-camera stunts in those films, as well as Top Gun: Maverick, have increasingly resembled...
And more often than not, they’re justified in that trust, because Cruise has spent his middle-age proving that like his most popular alter-ego—Navy pilot Pete Mitchell—he has no intention of turning in his wings. It’s a common observation to even note that the Mission: Impossible movies Cruise made in his 50s were better than the ones he made in his 30s, and his dedication to in-camera stunts in those films, as well as Top Gun: Maverick, have increasingly resembled...
- 2/22/2024
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Just last month, Tom Cruise entered a partnership with Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group chiefs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy to develop and produce original and franchise theatrical films, but what kind of movies does Cruise really want to make? By risking life and limb with real stunts in movies such as Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning and Top Gun: Maverick, Tom Cruise has become the biggest action star on the planet. While the actor will doubtlessly continue in the action realm, a report from Variety states that Cruise would like to return to the early days when he worked on serious, dramatic movies with directors such as Martin Scorsese, Stanley Kubrick, and Paul Thomas Anderson.
In the early days of his stardom, Cruise was a bonafide awards contender, scoring Best Actor nominations at the Academy Awards for Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire, but it...
In the early days of his stardom, Cruise was a bonafide awards contender, scoring Best Actor nominations at the Academy Awards for Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire, but it...
- 2/21/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
In January, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group chiefs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy jetted to London to connect with the new crown jewel of the studio, Tom Cruise. The three met to identify a film that would kick off their nonexclusive “strategic partnership.” Sources say a raft of possibilities were discussed, including an “Edge of Tomorrow” follow-up and Quentin Tarantino’s “The Movie Critic,” which currently isn’t set up with a distributor and has Warner Bros., like every major studio, salivating.
At 61, Cruise remains the king of studio tentpoles, a roost solidified by 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick,” which took in $1.5 billion worldwide. But Cruise wants more than action stardom — he’d like to return to working with auteurs like Paul Thomas Anderson. In fact, he hasn’t earned an Oscar nomination for acting since he appeared in Anderson’s 1999 drama “Magnolia.” Earlier in his career, Cruise benefited from...
At 61, Cruise remains the king of studio tentpoles, a roost solidified by 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick,” which took in $1.5 billion worldwide. But Cruise wants more than action stardom — he’d like to return to working with auteurs like Paul Thomas Anderson. In fact, he hasn’t earned an Oscar nomination for acting since he appeared in Anderson’s 1999 drama “Magnolia.” Earlier in his career, Cruise benefited from...
- 2/21/2024
- by Tatiana Siegel
- Variety Film + TV
Sylvester Stallone is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the history of Hollywood, as he made a name for himself as the king of action movies in the 70s and 80s. That’s not all he is known for as Sly is also known as one of the most generous and giving actors in the business. With that said, Sylvester Stallone was accused of forcing a 16-year-old into a threesome in the past.
Sylvester Stallone in Rocky
Sylvester Stallone has defined many generations of stars as well as movies, as the iconic Hollywood legend has made sure people continue to revere him for his contributions to the world of Cinema in his long and illustrious career.
Suggested“It didn’t matter what time it was”: Sylvester Stallone Wrote the First Rocky Draft in Record Time Sylvester Stallone Accused Of Forcing A 16-Year-Old To Join A Threesome A scene...
Sylvester Stallone in Rocky
Sylvester Stallone has defined many generations of stars as well as movies, as the iconic Hollywood legend has made sure people continue to revere him for his contributions to the world of Cinema in his long and illustrious career.
Suggested“It didn’t matter what time it was”: Sylvester Stallone Wrote the First Rocky Draft in Record Time Sylvester Stallone Accused Of Forcing A 16-Year-Old To Join A Threesome A scene...
- 2/20/2024
- by Subhojeet Mookherjee
- FandomWire
Update, March 19: Warner Bros. has slated the film for a March 7, 2025 IMAX release.
After a heated bidding war, Warner Bros. won the rights to the latest collaboration from writer-director-producer Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan.
Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group’s Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy confirmed the studio landed a deal with the duo for the untitled movie, based on an original script by Coogler. Details about the plot are being kept under wraps, but it has been described as an “original genre film.”
The new movie marks Coogler and Jordan’s fifth collaboration, beginning with “Fruitvale Station” in 2013 and continuing with the “Creed” and “Black Panther” franchises. De Luca and Abdy also have a successful track record with the duo, as they greenlit “Creed III” during their tenure at MGM.
News of the project surfaced last month when it was reported that Coogler and Jordan...
After a heated bidding war, Warner Bros. won the rights to the latest collaboration from writer-director-producer Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan.
Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group’s Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy confirmed the studio landed a deal with the duo for the untitled movie, based on an original script by Coogler. Details about the plot are being kept under wraps, but it has been described as an “original genre film.”
The new movie marks Coogler and Jordan’s fifth collaboration, beginning with “Fruitvale Station” in 2013 and continuing with the “Creed” and “Black Panther” franchises. De Luca and Abdy also have a successful track record with the duo, as they greenlit “Creed III” during their tenure at MGM.
News of the project surfaced last month when it was reported that Coogler and Jordan...
- 2/8/2024
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Thomas Anderson has rounded out the cast of his latest feature. Alana Haim, who made her acting debut in Anderson’s Licorice Pizza, and A Thousand and One breakout Teyana Taylor have been added to the cast, along with Wood Harris and Shayna McHayle.
Newcomer Chase Infiniti has also joined the untitled feature, which is currently in production and, as previously announced, stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Regina Hall. The plot of the film is being kept under wraps.
Anderson wrote the script and will produce with Sara Murphy and Adam Somner, both of whom worked with the filmmaker on Licorice Pizza.
The project is set up at Warner Bros, headed by Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, who worked with Anderson on the 2021 Oscar-nominated film during their tenure running MGM. While leading New Line, De Luca also worked with the director on Boogie Nights and Magnolia.
Outside of Licorice Pizza,...
Newcomer Chase Infiniti has also joined the untitled feature, which is currently in production and, as previously announced, stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Regina Hall. The plot of the film is being kept under wraps.
Anderson wrote the script and will produce with Sara Murphy and Adam Somner, both of whom worked with the filmmaker on Licorice Pizza.
The project is set up at Warner Bros, headed by Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, who worked with Anderson on the 2021 Oscar-nominated film during their tenure running MGM. While leading New Line, De Luca also worked with the director on Boogie Nights and Magnolia.
Outside of Licorice Pizza,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Mia Galuppo
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Annette Bening is joining Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Frankenstein lore feature at Warner Bros; the studio making it official that this is a go-project. Cameras roll in Q1. This package with its attachments has been out there since it was at Netflix, and the deals have finally closed with everyone. Jessie Buckley is the star of the movie which follows Frankenstein’s pursuit of love.
There’s already been word out there about the cast, including Buckley, and it’s a murderers’ row with Christian Bale, Penélope Cruz, and Peter Sarsgaard. Bale and Buckley have been circling this project well before the strikes.
Logline: A lonely Frankenstein travels to 1930s Chicago to seek the aide of a Dr. Euphronius in creating a companion for himself. The two reinvigorate a murdered young woman and the Bride is born. She is beyond what either of them intended, igniting a combustible romance, the...
There’s already been word out there about the cast, including Buckley, and it’s a murderers’ row with Christian Bale, Penélope Cruz, and Peter Sarsgaard. Bale and Buckley have been circling this project well before the strikes.
Logline: A lonely Frankenstein travels to 1930s Chicago to seek the aide of a Dr. Euphronius in creating a companion for himself. The two reinvigorate a murdered young woman and the Bride is born. She is beyond what either of them intended, igniting a combustible romance, the...
- 1/12/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Last February, David Zaslav made his way to CAA’s offices, accompanied by his film-studio chiefs, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy. The delegation gathered in agent Maha Dakhil’s office, where Kevin Huvane and Joel Lubin were in attendance. Also there was a prized client: Tom Cruise.
The meeting was the product of a call that De Luca and Abdy had made to Dakhil. They asked Dakhil to pass along a message of thanks to Cruise for working so hard to save theaters. The star was then still in the process of pulling the seventh Mission: Impossible movie together, which he had dragged against heavy odds through the pandemic. Meanwhile, Top Gun: Maverick had restored faith in the viability of movie theaters. Cruise would later promote Barbenheimer, a rare move for an actor who had nothing to do with either film.
The CAA meeting went on for two hours.
The meeting was the product of a call that De Luca and Abdy had made to Dakhil. They asked Dakhil to pass along a message of thanks to Cruise for working so hard to save theaters. The star was then still in the process of pulling the seventh Mission: Impossible movie together, which he had dragged against heavy odds through the pandemic. Meanwhile, Top Gun: Maverick had restored faith in the viability of movie theaters. Cruise would later promote Barbenheimer, a rare move for an actor who had nothing to do with either film.
The CAA meeting went on for two hours.
- 1/11/2024
- by Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul Thomas Anderson has assembled an all-star cast for his next movie, which will likely be the most expensive of his career.
Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio, long rumored to be in the movie, and Sean Penn, who recently popped up in Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza,” will appear in the untitled film. They join Regina Hall, the “Girls Trip” and “The Hate U Give” standout. Production on the film, which Warner Bros. will produce, is set to start this month in California, the state where nearly all of Anderson’s movies have unfolded. The new Anderson project has a contemporary setting and will be an ensemble piece, according to a source with knowledge of the production.
The film is cloaked in secrecy, so much so that Warner Bros. has tried to keep the mere fact that it was producing the movie under wraps for months. But its price tag has raised eyebrows,...
Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio, long rumored to be in the movie, and Sean Penn, who recently popped up in Anderson’s “Licorice Pizza,” will appear in the untitled film. They join Regina Hall, the “Girls Trip” and “The Hate U Give” standout. Production on the film, which Warner Bros. will produce, is set to start this month in California, the state where nearly all of Anderson’s movies have unfolded. The new Anderson project has a contemporary setting and will be an ensemble piece, according to a source with knowledge of the production.
The film is cloaked in secrecy, so much so that Warner Bros. has tried to keep the mere fact that it was producing the movie under wraps for months. But its price tag has raised eyebrows,...
- 1/10/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Paul Thomas Anderson has announced his next project, marking his first collaboration with Leonardo DiCaprio.
The “Licorice Pizza” auteur is set to write, direct, and produce the upcoming untitled project that co-stars Sean Penn and Regina Hall, among an ensemble cast. Penn previously appeared in “Licorice Pizza” as a loose riff on William Holden.
According to Deadline, the new film will have a “contemporary setting” and “is the most commercial” installment in Anderson’s filmography.
Warner Bros. produces the film, with Anderson reuniting with Warner Bros. Picture Group CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy after working with them while the duo was at MGM, where Anderson’s thrice Oscar-nominated “Licorice Pizza” was produced. De Luca was also behind Anderson’s “Boogie Nights” as the former head of production at New Line Cinema. Variety reported that the budget is estimated to be approaching $100 million.
IndieWire confirmed the project with Warner Bros.
The “Licorice Pizza” auteur is set to write, direct, and produce the upcoming untitled project that co-stars Sean Penn and Regina Hall, among an ensemble cast. Penn previously appeared in “Licorice Pizza” as a loose riff on William Holden.
According to Deadline, the new film will have a “contemporary setting” and “is the most commercial” installment in Anderson’s filmography.
Warner Bros. produces the film, with Anderson reuniting with Warner Bros. Picture Group CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy after working with them while the duo was at MGM, where Anderson’s thrice Oscar-nominated “Licorice Pizza” was produced. De Luca was also behind Anderson’s “Boogie Nights” as the former head of production at New Line Cinema. Variety reported that the budget is estimated to be approaching $100 million.
IndieWire confirmed the project with Warner Bros.
- 1/10/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Warner Bros has Paul Thomas Anderson set to direct Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn as well as Regina Hall in an untitled film that will begin production this year in California. Anderson wrote the script, and he will produce the film with Sara Murphy and Adam Somner.
The film is currently untitled and they’re keeping the logline under wraps. We have learned that it is a contemporary setting and it is the most commercial one PTA has attempted, with commensurate budget. It came out of a relationship that Warner Bros Picture Group co-chairs/CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy built making PTA’s last film, Licorice Pizza, while they ran MGM. That film got three Oscar noms for Best Picture, and Best Screenplay and Best Director for PTA.
While DiCaprio, Penn and Hall are the leads, the new film will have a big ensemble cast...
The film is currently untitled and they’re keeping the logline under wraps. We have learned that it is a contemporary setting and it is the most commercial one PTA has attempted, with commensurate budget. It came out of a relationship that Warner Bros Picture Group co-chairs/CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy built making PTA’s last film, Licorice Pizza, while they ran MGM. That film got three Oscar noms for Best Picture, and Best Screenplay and Best Director for PTA.
While DiCaprio, Penn and Hall are the leads, the new film will have a big ensemble cast...
- 1/10/2024
- by Justin Kroll and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Tom Cruise, one of the biggest movie stars of all time, has found a new home at Warner Bros. Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group's Co-Chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy have announced they will jointly develop and produce original theatrical films (both original and within franchises) starring Cruise beginning in 2024. They have entered into what is being called "a new strategic partnership." Cruise and his production company will have offices on the Warner Bros. Discovery lot in Burbank, signaling the seriousness of the marriage.
Cruise is one of the last truly bankable movie stars on the planet, making this a big win for Warner Bros. The partnership marks a return to Warner Bros. for Cruise, whose filmography with the studio includes movies like "Edge of Tomorrow," "Rock of Ages," "The Last Samurai," "Magnolia," "Eyes Wide Shut," "Interview with the Vampire," "Risky Business," and "The Outsiders." De Luca...
Cruise is one of the last truly bankable movie stars on the planet, making this a big win for Warner Bros. The partnership marks a return to Warner Bros. for Cruise, whose filmography with the studio includes movies like "Edge of Tomorrow," "Rock of Ages," "The Last Samurai," "Magnolia," "Eyes Wide Shut," "Interview with the Vampire," "Risky Business," and "The Outsiders." De Luca...
- 1/9/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Hot off the heels of distributing the billion-dollar sensation Barbie in 2023, Warner Bros. is starting 2024 off strong with a momentous movie deal involving one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, Tom Cruise! The cat is out of the bag, folks! Tom Cruise is partnering with studio chiefs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy to jointly develop and produce original and franchise theatrical films starring Cruise.
The deal finds Tom Cruise’s production company setting up shop on the Warner Bros. Discovery lot in Burbank. According to insiders, the arrangement, which kicks into effect this year, is not a first-look deal. In other words, Cruise will continue working with other studios on various projects, including Paramount, where Cruise’s action-packed Mission: Impossible franchise lives.
WB’s David Zaslav, who has not been the studio’s most popular leader, brokered the deal, finally adding an ornate feather to his cap. While no projects have been announced,...
The deal finds Tom Cruise’s production company setting up shop on the Warner Bros. Discovery lot in Burbank. According to insiders, the arrangement, which kicks into effect this year, is not a first-look deal. In other words, Cruise will continue working with other studios on various projects, including Paramount, where Cruise’s action-packed Mission: Impossible franchise lives.
WB’s David Zaslav, who has not been the studio’s most popular leader, brokered the deal, finally adding an ornate feather to his cap. While no projects have been announced,...
- 1/9/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav and the Motion Picture Group’s co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy have hammered out a new strategic partnership deal with Tom Cruise that takes effect this year.
The $13 billion-grossing star and producer will develop and produce original and franchise theatrical titles which he’ll star in. Cruise and his production company will have an office on the Burbank, CA lot. The last time Cruise starred in a Warner Bros movie was the 2014 sci-fi action title Edge of Tomorrow ($370.5 million global gross), one of eight titles he made with the studio including Rock of Ages, The Last Samurai, Magnolia, Eyes Wide Shut, Interview with the Vampire, Risky Business and The Outsiders.
Note, this isn’t an exclusive deal, as Cruise will continue to work with Paramount, where he’s shooting Mission: Impossible 8, and Universal, where he’s making the $200M shot-in-space movie directed by Doug Liman.
The $13 billion-grossing star and producer will develop and produce original and franchise theatrical titles which he’ll star in. Cruise and his production company will have an office on the Burbank, CA lot. The last time Cruise starred in a Warner Bros movie was the 2014 sci-fi action title Edge of Tomorrow ($370.5 million global gross), one of eight titles he made with the studio including Rock of Ages, The Last Samurai, Magnolia, Eyes Wide Shut, Interview with the Vampire, Risky Business and The Outsiders.
Note, this isn’t an exclusive deal, as Cruise will continue to work with Paramount, where he’s shooting Mission: Impossible 8, and Universal, where he’s making the $200M shot-in-space movie directed by Doug Liman.
- 1/9/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Tom Cruise has his next mission.
The ageless action star signed a new deal to develop and produce theatrical films with Warner Bros. Discovery. These movies will be a mix of original productions and franchise fare and will star Cruise, the company said in a release touting the deal. As part of what is being billed as a new “strategic partnership,” Cruise and his production company will have offices on the Warner Bros. Discovery lot in Burbank.
It’s a coup for Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, who took over as co-chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group in 2022, and who have been working to reinvigorate the studio, as well as for David Zaslav, the man who hired them. The deal with Cruise, who has projects at rival studios like Universal and Paramount, isn’t exclusive, nor is it a traditional first-look pact. The actor can make movies at other companies,...
The ageless action star signed a new deal to develop and produce theatrical films with Warner Bros. Discovery. These movies will be a mix of original productions and franchise fare and will star Cruise, the company said in a release touting the deal. As part of what is being billed as a new “strategic partnership,” Cruise and his production company will have offices on the Warner Bros. Discovery lot in Burbank.
It’s a coup for Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy, who took over as co-chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group in 2022, and who have been working to reinvigorate the studio, as well as for David Zaslav, the man who hired them. The deal with Cruise, who has projects at rival studios like Universal and Paramount, isn’t exclusive, nor is it a traditional first-look pact. The actor can make movies at other companies,...
- 1/9/2024
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Tom Cruise has taken a flying leap, though this time not on a motorcycle and off of a cliff. No, Cruise is headed to Burbank as part of a new strategic partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery; he’ll develop, produce, and star in “original and franchise theatrical films” there — and also fly some aircraft in and out of Bob Hope Airport.
Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy — and Cruise — announced the partnership on Tuesday. Cruise and his production company will even get offices on the Warner Bros Discovery lot.
Cruise’s deal with Warner Bros. — a return, of sorts — does not make him exclusive to the studio. There are currently no projects in development and it is not a traditional first-look deal; think of this as more of a formal commitment to collaborate with De Luca and Abdy on future blockbusters. Cruise...
Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy — and Cruise — announced the partnership on Tuesday. Cruise and his production company will even get offices on the Warner Bros Discovery lot.
Cruise’s deal with Warner Bros. — a return, of sorts — does not make him exclusive to the studio. There are currently no projects in development and it is not a traditional first-look deal; think of this as more of a formal commitment to collaborate with De Luca and Abdy on future blockbusters. Cruise...
- 1/9/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Tom Cruise is setting up shop on the Warner Bros. lot.
In a new strategic partnership that Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav helped shepherd, Cruise will team with movie studio chiefs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy in jointly developing and producing original and franchise theatrical films starring the world-famous actor.
Cruise and his production company will have offices on the Wbd lot in Burbank. The pact, which commences this year, isn’t a traditional first-look deal, insiders say.
Luring Cruise into the fold is a coup for Zaslav, Abdy and De Luca, considering he’s one of the last movie stars who carries clout around the world. And it’s especially a coup since he’s otherwise remained a free agent who hasn’t had a formal deal with Paramount, home of his two biggest franchises, Mission: Impossible and Top Gun, since 2006.
Insiders stress that Cruise will continue to work with other studios,...
In a new strategic partnership that Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav helped shepherd, Cruise will team with movie studio chiefs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy in jointly developing and producing original and franchise theatrical films starring the world-famous actor.
Cruise and his production company will have offices on the Wbd lot in Burbank. The pact, which commences this year, isn’t a traditional first-look deal, insiders say.
Luring Cruise into the fold is a coup for Zaslav, Abdy and De Luca, considering he’s one of the last movie stars who carries clout around the world. And it’s especially a coup since he’s otherwise remained a free agent who hasn’t had a formal deal with Paramount, home of his two biggest franchises, Mission: Impossible and Top Gun, since 2006.
Insiders stress that Cruise will continue to work with other studios,...
- 1/9/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Despite having a pretty messy, highly public breakup, it appears that Christopher Nolan is willing to return to Warner Bros. to make another movie. This comes as the filmmaker is enjoying one of the biggest hits of his career in "Oppenheimer," which is one of the biggest movies of the year and still has an outside shot at crossing the $1 billion mark at the box office, which is downright insane for a three-hour, R-rated biopic. That movie was made for Universal Pictures as a result of Nolan's breakup with WB. Could a reunion be on the horizon though? Nolan isn't ruling it out by any means.
The filmmaker recently spoke with Variety about the success of "Oppenheimer" ahead of the film's home video release later this month. For those who may need a brief refresher, Nolan spent most of his career at Warner Bros. churning out hits like "The Dark Knight" and "Inception,...
The filmmaker recently spoke with Variety about the success of "Oppenheimer" ahead of the film's home video release later this month. For those who may need a brief refresher, Nolan spent most of his career at Warner Bros. churning out hits like "The Dark Knight" and "Inception,...
- 11/9/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Christopher Nolan is open to working with Warner Bros. again after all.
The “Oppenheimer” director, whose latest blockbuster starring Cillian Murphy was distributed by Universal, said in a Variety cover story that his feud with Warner Bros. is now “water under the bridge.”
Nolan parted ways with the studio in 2021 after Warners shifted its entire film slate that year to a day-and-date hybrid release model with streaming on HBO Max. Nolan said at the time, “Some of our industry’s biggest filmmakers and most important movie stars went to bed the night before thinking they were working for the greatest movie studio and woke up to find out they were working for the worst streaming service.”
Despite not having a production deal with Warner Bros., Nolan worked with the company for nearly 20 years since the release of “Insomnia,” and including “The Dark Knight” trilogy.
“It’s water under the bridge,...
The “Oppenheimer” director, whose latest blockbuster starring Cillian Murphy was distributed by Universal, said in a Variety cover story that his feud with Warner Bros. is now “water under the bridge.”
Nolan parted ways with the studio in 2021 after Warners shifted its entire film slate that year to a day-and-date hybrid release model with streaming on HBO Max. Nolan said at the time, “Some of our industry’s biggest filmmakers and most important movie stars went to bed the night before thinking they were working for the greatest movie studio and woke up to find out they were working for the worst streaming service.”
Despite not having a production deal with Warner Bros., Nolan worked with the company for nearly 20 years since the release of “Insomnia,” and including “The Dark Knight” trilogy.
“It’s water under the bridge,...
- 11/8/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The 15th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival will take place April 18-21, 2024 in its traditional Hollywood Boulevard location with a lineup exploring tales of conflict in cinema under the theme “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film.”
This will mark the first TCM festival since, in a rather unprecedented move, feature executives, Mike De Luca and Pamela Abdy, Co-Chairs & CEOs, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, took creative control of the ad-supported cable network this past summer, ahead of its 30th anniversary next year.
The appointment followed an outreach by leading filmmakers and staunch film preservationists Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson to David Zaslav, CEO of TCM parent Warner Bros. Discovery, with concerns for the future of the channel following another major restructuring at the company that saw most of the TCM leadership exit in layoffs, including EVP and General Manager Pola Changnon, SVP of Programming and Content Strategy Charles Tabesh,...
This will mark the first TCM festival since, in a rather unprecedented move, feature executives, Mike De Luca and Pamela Abdy, Co-Chairs & CEOs, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, took creative control of the ad-supported cable network this past summer, ahead of its 30th anniversary next year.
The appointment followed an outreach by leading filmmakers and staunch film preservationists Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson to David Zaslav, CEO of TCM parent Warner Bros. Discovery, with concerns for the future of the channel following another major restructuring at the company that saw most of the TCM leadership exit in layoffs, including EVP and General Manager Pola Changnon, SVP of Programming and Content Strategy Charles Tabesh,...
- 10/11/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
After a tumultuous few months at TCM, the network’s Classic Film Festival will return to Hollywood on April 18-21 for its 15th edition with the theme “Most Wanted: Crime and Justice in Film,” it was announced Wednesday.
“Like Turner Classic Movies itself, the TCM Classic Film Festival is a destination for cinephiles, and the 2024 edition will undoubtedly be among the best yet,” Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-chairs and co-CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy said in a statement.
“We are so thrilled to invite TCM fans to celebrate the very best in cinema in the heart of Hollywood and to be amongst the filmmakers and casts who have lit up the silver screen for us all over the years.”
In June, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav moved oversight of the beloved TCM to De Luca and Abdy in the wake of layoffs that claimed the jobs of longtime staffers Pola Changnon,...
“Like Turner Classic Movies itself, the TCM Classic Film Festival is a destination for cinephiles, and the 2024 edition will undoubtedly be among the best yet,” Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group co-chairs and co-CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy said in a statement.
“We are so thrilled to invite TCM fans to celebrate the very best in cinema in the heart of Hollywood and to be amongst the filmmakers and casts who have lit up the silver screen for us all over the years.”
In June, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav moved oversight of the beloved TCM to De Luca and Abdy in the wake of layoffs that claimed the jobs of longtime staffers Pola Changnon,...
- 10/11/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There’s no end to Barbie‘s magic tricks.
On Monday, Greta Gerwig’s movie is passing up the $1.342 billion grossed globally by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 to become the top-grossing film in the history of Warner Bros. at the worldwide box office, not adjusted for inflation. Barbie’s domestic gross through Sunday was $592.8 million, while its foreign tally was $745.5 million. (On Wednesday or Thursday of this week, the summer pic will become only the 13th movie in history to cross the $600 million mark domestically.)
The records broken by Barbie — starring Margot Robbie as Mattel’s famous fashion doll — are numerous. The box office blockbuster notched another major milestone Aug. 16 when passing up Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight to become the biggest Warner Bros. movie ever in North America.
And last week, Barbie passed up Illumination and Universal’s runaway blockbuster The Super Mario Bros. Movie...
On Monday, Greta Gerwig’s movie is passing up the $1.342 billion grossed globally by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows — Part 2 to become the top-grossing film in the history of Warner Bros. at the worldwide box office, not adjusted for inflation. Barbie’s domestic gross through Sunday was $592.8 million, while its foreign tally was $745.5 million. (On Wednesday or Thursday of this week, the summer pic will become only the 13th movie in history to cross the $600 million mark domestically.)
The records broken by Barbie — starring Margot Robbie as Mattel’s famous fashion doll — are numerous. The box office blockbuster notched another major milestone Aug. 16 when passing up Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight to become the biggest Warner Bros. movie ever in North America.
And last week, Barbie passed up Illumination and Universal’s runaway blockbuster The Super Mario Bros. Movie...
- 8/28/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Katie Martin Kelley has been named as executive VP of communications for Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, where she will lead media relations and corporate communications for the film group, including Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema and newly rebranded Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, the studio said Wednesday.
Martin Kelley will report to Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, co-chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group.
Martin Kelley comes to Wbd from MGM, where she served as chief communications officer supporting the company’s strategic global communications efforts across all divisions of the studio, and previously worked closely with DeLuca and Abdy on a deep bench of films including “Women Talking,” the 25th film in the James Bond series “No Time To Die,” “Licorice Pizza” and “House of Gucci.”
Also Read:
DC Studios Names Candice McDonough EVP of Publicity and Communications
De Luca and Abdy said: “Katie is...
Martin Kelley will report to Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, co-chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group.
Martin Kelley comes to Wbd from MGM, where she served as chief communications officer supporting the company’s strategic global communications efforts across all divisions of the studio, and previously worked closely with DeLuca and Abdy on a deep bench of films including “Women Talking,” the 25th film in the James Bond series “No Time To Die,” “Licorice Pizza” and “House of Gucci.”
Also Read:
DC Studios Names Candice McDonough EVP of Publicity and Communications
De Luca and Abdy said: “Katie is...
- 7/12/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group has appointed Katie Martin Kelley as executive VP of communications.
Martin Kelley, who joins from MGM, will lead media relations and corporate communications for the film group, including Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema and the newly rebranded Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. DC Studios will fall under the purview of Candice McDonough, who previously led communications for Warner Bros. Film Group and has been newly hired to oversee publicity efforts for the company’s comic book division.
Martin Kelley will report to Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, co-chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group.
“Katie is highly regarded as one of Hollywood’s top communications executives and a true master of her craft,” De Luca and Abdy said in a statement. “We are delighted to work with Katie again and warmly welcome her to Warner Bros. during this exciting time as we...
Martin Kelley, who joins from MGM, will lead media relations and corporate communications for the film group, including Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema and the newly rebranded Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. DC Studios will fall under the purview of Candice McDonough, who previously led communications for Warner Bros. Film Group and has been newly hired to oversee publicity efforts for the company’s comic book division.
Martin Kelley will report to Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, co-chairs and CEOs of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group.
“Katie is highly regarded as one of Hollywood’s top communications executives and a true master of her craft,” De Luca and Abdy said in a statement. “We are delighted to work with Katie again and warmly welcome her to Warner Bros. during this exciting time as we...
- 7/12/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran Hollywood exec Katie Martin Kelley is joining Warner Bros.’ movie studio as executive vp of communications, Warner Bros. Discovery announced Wednesday.
Her arrival at the studio’s Burbank lot isn’t a total surprise, considering she worked closely with Warner Bros. Picture Group co-chairs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy when the duo ran MGM.
In her new role, Martin Kelley will lead media relations and corporate communications for the film group, including Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema and the newly rebranded Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. She’ll report to De Luca and Abdy.
In a twinned move, Wbd announced earlier on Thursday that Candice McDonough has been appointed to the newly-created role of executive vp of publicity and communications for DC Studios, the arm run by co-chairmen and co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran.
“Katie is highly regarded as one of Hollywood’s top communications executives and...
Her arrival at the studio’s Burbank lot isn’t a total surprise, considering she worked closely with Warner Bros. Picture Group co-chairs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy when the duo ran MGM.
In her new role, Martin Kelley will lead media relations and corporate communications for the film group, including Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema and the newly rebranded Warner Bros. Pictures Animation. She’ll report to De Luca and Abdy.
In a twinned move, Wbd announced earlier on Thursday that Candice McDonough has been appointed to the newly-created role of executive vp of publicity and communications for DC Studios, the arm run by co-chairmen and co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran.
“Katie is highly regarded as one of Hollywood’s top communications executives and...
- 7/12/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The former Paramount and MGM head of corporate communications will rejoin the latter studio’s former execs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy at Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group.
Katie Martin Kelley has been named EVP Communication for the group, taking over for Candice McDonough who was named this morning as DC Studio’s EVP of Publicity and Communications.
Martin Kelley will lead media relations and corporate communications for the film group which includes Warner Bros Pictures, New Line Cinema and newly rebranded Warner Bros Pictures Animation. She’ll report to De Luca and Abdy.
Martin Kelley was previously chief comms officer at MGM working closely with De Luca and Abdy on films including Women Talking, the Daniel Craig 007 swan song No Time to Die, House of Gucci and Licorice Pizza.
De Luca and Abdy said, “Katie is highly regarded as one of Hollywood’s top communications executives and...
Katie Martin Kelley has been named EVP Communication for the group, taking over for Candice McDonough who was named this morning as DC Studio’s EVP of Publicity and Communications.
Martin Kelley will lead media relations and corporate communications for the film group which includes Warner Bros Pictures, New Line Cinema and newly rebranded Warner Bros Pictures Animation. She’ll report to De Luca and Abdy.
Martin Kelley was previously chief comms officer at MGM working closely with De Luca and Abdy on films including Women Talking, the Daniel Craig 007 swan song No Time to Die, House of Gucci and Licorice Pizza.
De Luca and Abdy said, “Katie is highly regarded as one of Hollywood’s top communications executives and...
- 7/12/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
First footage of Hugh Grant as Oompa Loompa in Wonka.
Warner Bros rolled out the stars to celebrate its CinemaCon presentation on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, with an A-list roster that included Oprah Winfrey making her show debut, as well as Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and Timothée Chalamet, and Zendaya.
Warner Bros co-heads Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy hosted Tuesday’s session, which included an address by Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav, and comments by international and domestic distribution heads Andrew Cripps and Jeff Goldstein, both of whom wore pink in the spirit of Barbie.
Denis Villeneuve...
Warner Bros rolled out the stars to celebrate its CinemaCon presentation on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, with an A-list roster that included Oprah Winfrey making her show debut, as well as Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling and Timothée Chalamet, and Zendaya.
Warner Bros co-heads Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy hosted Tuesday’s session, which included an address by Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav, and comments by international and domestic distribution heads Andrew Cripps and Jeff Goldstein, both of whom wore pink in the spirit of Barbie.
Denis Villeneuve...
- 4/25/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Barbie made a cameo in Sin City.
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling touched down inside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas during Warner Bros.’ CinemaCon presentation on Tuesday morning. The studio welcomed Gerwig, Robbie and Gosling to the Colosseum stage along with co-star America Ferrera to chat up the Mattel project and debut several minutes of never-before-seen scenes. The new footage comes on the heels of a trailer and character posters that were revealed earlier this month.
The foursome were interviewed briefly on stage by Warner Bros. chiefs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy. Gerwig revealed more about how she came to write and direct the film by explaining that it was Robbie who “invited me on this journey,” one that she took as co-writer with her real-life partner Noah Baumbach. “When I was writing with Noah, there was a point when we were making each...
Greta Gerwig’s Barbie starring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling touched down inside Caesars Palace in Las Vegas during Warner Bros.’ CinemaCon presentation on Tuesday morning. The studio welcomed Gerwig, Robbie and Gosling to the Colosseum stage along with co-star America Ferrera to chat up the Mattel project and debut several minutes of never-before-seen scenes. The new footage comes on the heels of a trailer and character posters that were revealed earlier this month.
The foursome were interviewed briefly on stage by Warner Bros. chiefs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy. Gerwig revealed more about how she came to write and direct the film by explaining that it was Robbie who “invited me on this journey,” one that she took as co-writer with her real-life partner Noah Baumbach. “When I was writing with Noah, there was a point when we were making each...
- 4/25/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Following an intense multi-studio bidding war that went into the weekend, Warner Bros has landed the package Maude v Maude that has Angelina Jolie and Halle Berry attached to star. Roseanne Liang is on board to direct from Scott Mosier’s script. Berry and Jolie will produce along with Berry’s producing partner Holly Jeter via their banner HalleHolly, along with Jeff Kirschenbaum and Joe Roth who will produce through Rk Films. Mosier and Liang will exec produce.
Exact details are being kept under wraps, but and insider describes the pic as a “Bond vs. Bourne” type of globl action thriller with locations to be announced.
While Berry and Jolie have had careers that have spanned three decades, the two have never worked together. Both are veterans of the genre, though; Jolie starred as the title character in the hit action thriller Salt, and Berry played Jinx in the...
Exact details are being kept under wraps, but and insider describes the pic as a “Bond vs. Bourne” type of globl action thriller with locations to be announced.
While Berry and Jolie have had careers that have spanned three decades, the two have never worked together. Both are veterans of the genre, though; Jolie starred as the title character in the hit action thriller Salt, and Berry played Jinx in the...
- 4/18/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Los Angeles, April 12 (Ians) Actor Jeremy Renner walked his first red carpet since his near-fatal snow plough accident, which happened earlier this year.
The actor was on hand at the premiere of ‘Rennervations’, his new Disney+ reality series about renovating used vehicles for underserved communities around the world, reports ‘Variety’.
Using a cane, Renner arrived on the carpet, appearing alongside his family for photographs. After walking for a bit, the actor then took to a motorised scooter to assist him through press interviews.
Renner shares that he was determined to keep the ‘Rennervations’ premiere on track, even as he was recovering from his injuries.
“I was really adamant about them not pushing this thing while there was momentum with the brass at Disney, with us, with the timing of it in all of our lives. It just felt right,” Renner told ‘Variety’.
“I look a little beat up right now,...
The actor was on hand at the premiere of ‘Rennervations’, his new Disney+ reality series about renovating used vehicles for underserved communities around the world, reports ‘Variety’.
Using a cane, Renner arrived on the carpet, appearing alongside his family for photographs. After walking for a bit, the actor then took to a motorised scooter to assist him through press interviews.
Renner shares that he was determined to keep the ‘Rennervations’ premiere on track, even as he was recovering from his injuries.
“I was really adamant about them not pushing this thing while there was momentum with the brass at Disney, with us, with the timing of it in all of our lives. It just felt right,” Renner told ‘Variety’.
“I look a little beat up right now,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
On Tuesday night, Jeremy Renner walked his first red carpet since his near-fatal snow plow accident.
The “Avengers” actor was on hand at the premiere of “Rennervations,” his new Disney+ reality series about renovating used vehicles for underserved communities around the world. The event was held at the Westwood Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles.
Using a cane, Renner arrived on the carpet at around 6 p.m., appearing alongside his family for photographs. After walking for a bit, the actor then took to a motorized scooter to assist him through press interviews.
Renner said he was determined to keep the “Rennervations” premiere on track, even as he was recovering from his injuries.
“I was really adamant about them not pushing this thing while there was momentum with the brass at Disney, with us, with the timing of it in all of our lives. It just felt right,” Renner told Variety.
The “Avengers” actor was on hand at the premiere of “Rennervations,” his new Disney+ reality series about renovating used vehicles for underserved communities around the world. The event was held at the Westwood Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles.
Using a cane, Renner arrived on the carpet at around 6 p.m., appearing alongside his family for photographs. After walking for a bit, the actor then took to a motorized scooter to assist him through press interviews.
Renner said he was determined to keep the “Rennervations” premiere on track, even as he was recovering from his injuries.
“I was really adamant about them not pushing this thing while there was momentum with the brass at Disney, with us, with the timing of it in all of our lives. It just felt right,” Renner told Variety.
- 4/12/2023
- by Marc Malkin and J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
From pre-Code gangster films to Bette Davis blazing a trail for female protagonists to blockbuster super- hero sagas, Warner Bros. Pictures’ output has been synonymous with the most popular stories of the day — and the iconic filmmakers who brought them to life.
Since being installed in June 2022, Warner Bros. Pictures Group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy have steadily built upon this legacy that has been the foundation of the studio since its earliest days.
“The history of the studio and their approach to filmmaking over the years really lines up with our belief in marrying the right filmmakers with the right IP and the right stories,” Abdy tells Variety. Adds De Luca, “We just wanted to continue that practice of trying to be a good home for the preeminent filmmakers of the day — and then try and find that next generation as well.”
Margot Robbie in 2023’s “Barbie”
Clint Eastwood,...
Since being installed in June 2022, Warner Bros. Pictures Group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy have steadily built upon this legacy that has been the foundation of the studio since its earliest days.
“The history of the studio and their approach to filmmaking over the years really lines up with our belief in marrying the right filmmakers with the right IP and the right stories,” Abdy tells Variety. Adds De Luca, “We just wanted to continue that practice of trying to be a good home for the preeminent filmmakers of the day — and then try and find that next generation as well.”
Margot Robbie in 2023’s “Barbie”
Clint Eastwood,...
- 4/6/2023
- by Todd Gilchrist
- Variety Film + TV
Refresh for updates
The death of MGM distribution chief Erik Lomis on Wednesday has shocked many around Hollywood. More than just being a sage to filmmakers and executives about the motion picture business, Lomis was known for his generosity fundraising with the Will Rogers Institute, cultivating others’ careers, and even being a mentor to many in their personal lives.
“I don’t think the industry will realize until a couple of months from now how Erik Lomis was George Bailey,” Edo box office analytics partner Derek McLay, a former lieutenant of Lomis’ during the distribution exec’s early MGM days, told Deadline. “He was so many things to so many people that he touched and did quietly, and he’s intertwined in everything we do.”
(L to R) Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli and Daniel Craig attend Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation’s 2022 Pioneer Dinner.
Lomis oversaw the distribution of several 007 films including Daniel Craig’s swan song, No Time to Die, as well as the Pierce Brosnan canon Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day to name a few in a decades-long working relationship with Eon Productions’ Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Lomis was the first distribution exec in Hollywood to pivot and protect No Time to Die from Covid, foreseeing the pandemic’s impact on global exhibition before other studios followed suit. Lomis held tight on the film, championing continually the pic’s future theatrical release over any options for a streaming or theatrical-day-and-date PVOD release. No Time to Die was the fourth highest grossing movie of 2021, making over $774M worldwide. Lomis was also the host and a key organizer of Broccoli and Wilson’s tribute at last fall’s 2022 Pioneer Dinner. The 007 franchise producer and Eon Productions Chief Barbara Broccoli shares with Deadline tonight, “We are absolutely devastated by the sudden loss of our dearest and most loyal friend Erik Lomis. He was a fierce supporter of theatrical distribution and handled each film with passion and care. He is irreplaceable. A part of the industry has died with him today.”
Michael De Luca at CinemaCon in 2021
Current Warner Bros Motion Picture Studio chair and CEO Michael De Luca worked with Lomis during the former’s tenure as MGM’s chairman. De Luca, whose run with Lomis included such pics as House of Gucci, Licorice Pizza and development on Creed III, tells Deadline, “Every day with Lomis was a victory, he loved movies and exhibition so much.”
De Luca continues, “I remember how excited and giddy he was to outfit the Mann Village theater with 70mm to play Licorice Pizza and how proud he was when it broke records there. Erik’s pure film love with things like that directly led to giving MGM their first Best Picture nom since 1988 [Licorice Pizza]. He was a joy to work with, treated everyone like family, and had the best most generous spirit I’ve ever seen. He was a blue-collar, movie theater guy — irreplaceable.”
Amazon and MGM Studios Head Jennifer Salke; SVP of Prime Video, Amazon Studios and MGM Mike Hopkins and VP, Pvs Corporate Strategy, MGM+ and MGM Alternative Television Chris Brearton emailed staffers earlier today, writing:
We have some difficult and terribly sad news to share. Erik Lomis, our MGM Head of Distribution, passed away suddenly at home this morning. We wanted to let you all know as soon as we could, and will share more information when it becomes available. Let’s keep his wife and children in our thoughts and prayers as well as the teams at MGM/Uar who have worked so closely with him.
Erik was truly one of a kind and an icon in our industry. His passion was undeniable and he has meant so much to so many over the years. We are all better for having known him.
With such heartbreaking news, we wanted to remind you that our Employee Assistance Program provides grief counseling and support for all those in need.
Mike, Jen and Chris
Michael B. Jordan and the Creed III family said in a joint statement, ““On behalf of the Creed III cast, crew and filmmaking team, we send our deepest sympathies to the Lomis family as well as our movie family at MGM/Uar and Amazon Studios. We recently had Erik by our side as we promoted, released and happily celebrated Creed III. He was always in our corner and we will forever be in his.” The MGM threequel delivered the biggest box office to streamer parent Amazon with a current running global box office of $226.7M.
Former MGM Motion Picture Group president and Creed III producer Jonathan Glickman, who worked with Lomis on The Addams Family animated movie and the Rocky spinoff franchise, says, “I had lunch with Erik and Irwin Winkler yesterday to celebrate the incredible job he did releasing Creed III. He was his typical hilarious self and in great spirits about work and his family, so I am shocked and broken-hearted to hear of his passing.
“Erik was more than a colleague — he was a friend, a sparring partner and mentor who treated me like family even when I woke him up at 5 a.m. to pester him for box office numbers or tracking. There was no truer champion of theatrical movies than Erik. I can honestly say, “they don’t make them like him anymore”. He was a mensch, a class act and unforgettable – I will miss him.”
(L-r) Erik Lomis and Gary Barber in 2022
Gary Barber, the former MGM CEO and now chairman and CEO of Spyglass Media Group, says: “I’m beyond heartbroken over Erik’s sudden passing and find it hard to put into words just how meaningful his loyalty and friendship has meant to me over the years. The film industry lost one of its biggest champions today and I can’t imagine facing an opening weekend without his shrewd analysis and bold predictions. I’ll always remember how he’d include ‘007’ in his box office reporting as a nod to James Bond. Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences to Patricia, his family and to all who knew him. Fly, Erik Fly!”
In addition to being close friends, Barber and Lomis worked closely during Barber’s time at MGM and through the MGM/Annapurna joint venture.
Gerry Rich, Head of Theatrical Marketing at MGM says, “I’ve worked with Erik for almost 30 years, and he’s been by my side as a colleague, consigliere, friend, and partner for most of my professional life. He taught me so much about the business, and about how to move through this industry with integrity and compassion. He challenged me and brought out the best in me and every member of the team. I miss him already.”
Adam Aron, chairman and CEO of AMC Entertainment adds, “Like just about everyone else who knew him, at AMC we were both shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing this morning of Erik Lomis. He was a giant in the field of theatrical exhibition. More than that, he was a really good human being. I truly enjoyed each and every minute I was with him, and will never forget his big-hearted smile. We send our most sincere condolences to his family and his professional colleagues at MGM, UA Releasing and Amazon. Erik, you will be widely mourned and you will be greatly missed.”
John Fithian, NATO Chairman and CEO, adds, “Erik Lomis’ impact on the movie and theatrical experience literally has no parallel. Erik loved and lived the theatrical experience and brought so many major titles to our screens. I am devastated by this loss. Movie screens across America are bleeding right now. Erik was the movies to me.”
(L-r) Jim Orr, Jerry Bruckheimer and Erik Lomis in 2018
Says Universal domestic distribution boss Jim Orr, who worked with Lomis during the early 2000s at MGM: “Erik was more than a good friend, a true mentor to me and many others in this industry, someone who was larger than life not only in theatrical distribution but even more so in the numerous philanthropic endeavors he championed. Erik left an indelible mark on this world, an iconic figure that will be sorely missed.”
Says Lionsgate domestic distribution head David Spitz, who began his career working for Lomis, “I loved Erik. I respected Erik. I will miss him. My heart goes out to Patricia and the entire family. Truly a huge loss for our industry.”
Focus Features Distribution President Lisa Bunnell tells Deadline, “Erik Lomis was ‘The Godfather’ to so many of us in exhibition and distribution. A larger than life figure who was a generous leader not only in the theatrical world, but also through the charities he supported. To say Erik will be missed is an understatement.”
Warner Bros. Domestic Distribution boss Jeff Goldstein adds: “I’ve know Erik since the beginning of our careers. He was bigger than life in so many ways. As a business person, he was inventive, relentless, curious and effective. As a philanthropist, he was a tireless supporter of Will Rogers and Variety with a heart of pure gold. As a friend, he was someone you could always count on. We’ll miss his boundless energy and joke-telling. This world is truly a better place because he was here.”
Joe Garel, VP of Film at exhibitor Cinepolis Cinemas, says, “This is a sad day for theatrical. Erik was in a pivotal spot running theatrical for MGM. Erik always had our backs when we were releasing films at TWC. He was a boss I respected and he made you feel like you were part of the club. He will be missed.”
Lee Daniels’ The Butler producer Cassian Elwes wrote on social media:
Erik Lomis Dead: Veteran MGM Movie Distribution Chief Was 64 – Deadline / this man played a pivotal role in my life not because he released my biggest hit , the butler, but because he hired my daughter arielle and treated her so well while teaching her https://t.co/hTF1H7Gc4f
— cassian elwes (@cassianelwes) March 22, 2023...
The death of MGM distribution chief Erik Lomis on Wednesday has shocked many around Hollywood. More than just being a sage to filmmakers and executives about the motion picture business, Lomis was known for his generosity fundraising with the Will Rogers Institute, cultivating others’ careers, and even being a mentor to many in their personal lives.
“I don’t think the industry will realize until a couple of months from now how Erik Lomis was George Bailey,” Edo box office analytics partner Derek McLay, a former lieutenant of Lomis’ during the distribution exec’s early MGM days, told Deadline. “He was so many things to so many people that he touched and did quietly, and he’s intertwined in everything we do.”
(L to R) Michael G. Wilson, Barbara Broccoli and Daniel Craig attend Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation’s 2022 Pioneer Dinner.
Lomis oversaw the distribution of several 007 films including Daniel Craig’s swan song, No Time to Die, as well as the Pierce Brosnan canon Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, The World Is Not Enough and Die Another Day to name a few in a decades-long working relationship with Eon Productions’ Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Lomis was the first distribution exec in Hollywood to pivot and protect No Time to Die from Covid, foreseeing the pandemic’s impact on global exhibition before other studios followed suit. Lomis held tight on the film, championing continually the pic’s future theatrical release over any options for a streaming or theatrical-day-and-date PVOD release. No Time to Die was the fourth highest grossing movie of 2021, making over $774M worldwide. Lomis was also the host and a key organizer of Broccoli and Wilson’s tribute at last fall’s 2022 Pioneer Dinner. The 007 franchise producer and Eon Productions Chief Barbara Broccoli shares with Deadline tonight, “We are absolutely devastated by the sudden loss of our dearest and most loyal friend Erik Lomis. He was a fierce supporter of theatrical distribution and handled each film with passion and care. He is irreplaceable. A part of the industry has died with him today.”
Michael De Luca at CinemaCon in 2021
Current Warner Bros Motion Picture Studio chair and CEO Michael De Luca worked with Lomis during the former’s tenure as MGM’s chairman. De Luca, whose run with Lomis included such pics as House of Gucci, Licorice Pizza and development on Creed III, tells Deadline, “Every day with Lomis was a victory, he loved movies and exhibition so much.”
De Luca continues, “I remember how excited and giddy he was to outfit the Mann Village theater with 70mm to play Licorice Pizza and how proud he was when it broke records there. Erik’s pure film love with things like that directly led to giving MGM their first Best Picture nom since 1988 [Licorice Pizza]. He was a joy to work with, treated everyone like family, and had the best most generous spirit I’ve ever seen. He was a blue-collar, movie theater guy — irreplaceable.”
Amazon and MGM Studios Head Jennifer Salke; SVP of Prime Video, Amazon Studios and MGM Mike Hopkins and VP, Pvs Corporate Strategy, MGM+ and MGM Alternative Television Chris Brearton emailed staffers earlier today, writing:
We have some difficult and terribly sad news to share. Erik Lomis, our MGM Head of Distribution, passed away suddenly at home this morning. We wanted to let you all know as soon as we could, and will share more information when it becomes available. Let’s keep his wife and children in our thoughts and prayers as well as the teams at MGM/Uar who have worked so closely with him.
Erik was truly one of a kind and an icon in our industry. His passion was undeniable and he has meant so much to so many over the years. We are all better for having known him.
With such heartbreaking news, we wanted to remind you that our Employee Assistance Program provides grief counseling and support for all those in need.
Mike, Jen and Chris
Michael B. Jordan and the Creed III family said in a joint statement, ““On behalf of the Creed III cast, crew and filmmaking team, we send our deepest sympathies to the Lomis family as well as our movie family at MGM/Uar and Amazon Studios. We recently had Erik by our side as we promoted, released and happily celebrated Creed III. He was always in our corner and we will forever be in his.” The MGM threequel delivered the biggest box office to streamer parent Amazon with a current running global box office of $226.7M.
Former MGM Motion Picture Group president and Creed III producer Jonathan Glickman, who worked with Lomis on The Addams Family animated movie and the Rocky spinoff franchise, says, “I had lunch with Erik and Irwin Winkler yesterday to celebrate the incredible job he did releasing Creed III. He was his typical hilarious self and in great spirits about work and his family, so I am shocked and broken-hearted to hear of his passing.
“Erik was more than a colleague — he was a friend, a sparring partner and mentor who treated me like family even when I woke him up at 5 a.m. to pester him for box office numbers or tracking. There was no truer champion of theatrical movies than Erik. I can honestly say, “they don’t make them like him anymore”. He was a mensch, a class act and unforgettable – I will miss him.”
(L-r) Erik Lomis and Gary Barber in 2022
Gary Barber, the former MGM CEO and now chairman and CEO of Spyglass Media Group, says: “I’m beyond heartbroken over Erik’s sudden passing and find it hard to put into words just how meaningful his loyalty and friendship has meant to me over the years. The film industry lost one of its biggest champions today and I can’t imagine facing an opening weekend without his shrewd analysis and bold predictions. I’ll always remember how he’d include ‘007’ in his box office reporting as a nod to James Bond. Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences to Patricia, his family and to all who knew him. Fly, Erik Fly!”
In addition to being close friends, Barber and Lomis worked closely during Barber’s time at MGM and through the MGM/Annapurna joint venture.
Gerry Rich, Head of Theatrical Marketing at MGM says, “I’ve worked with Erik for almost 30 years, and he’s been by my side as a colleague, consigliere, friend, and partner for most of my professional life. He taught me so much about the business, and about how to move through this industry with integrity and compassion. He challenged me and brought out the best in me and every member of the team. I miss him already.”
Adam Aron, chairman and CEO of AMC Entertainment adds, “Like just about everyone else who knew him, at AMC we were both shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden passing this morning of Erik Lomis. He was a giant in the field of theatrical exhibition. More than that, he was a really good human being. I truly enjoyed each and every minute I was with him, and will never forget his big-hearted smile. We send our most sincere condolences to his family and his professional colleagues at MGM, UA Releasing and Amazon. Erik, you will be widely mourned and you will be greatly missed.”
John Fithian, NATO Chairman and CEO, adds, “Erik Lomis’ impact on the movie and theatrical experience literally has no parallel. Erik loved and lived the theatrical experience and brought so many major titles to our screens. I am devastated by this loss. Movie screens across America are bleeding right now. Erik was the movies to me.”
(L-r) Jim Orr, Jerry Bruckheimer and Erik Lomis in 2018
Says Universal domestic distribution boss Jim Orr, who worked with Lomis during the early 2000s at MGM: “Erik was more than a good friend, a true mentor to me and many others in this industry, someone who was larger than life not only in theatrical distribution but even more so in the numerous philanthropic endeavors he championed. Erik left an indelible mark on this world, an iconic figure that will be sorely missed.”
Says Lionsgate domestic distribution head David Spitz, who began his career working for Lomis, “I loved Erik. I respected Erik. I will miss him. My heart goes out to Patricia and the entire family. Truly a huge loss for our industry.”
Focus Features Distribution President Lisa Bunnell tells Deadline, “Erik Lomis was ‘The Godfather’ to so many of us in exhibition and distribution. A larger than life figure who was a generous leader not only in the theatrical world, but also through the charities he supported. To say Erik will be missed is an understatement.”
Warner Bros. Domestic Distribution boss Jeff Goldstein adds: “I’ve know Erik since the beginning of our careers. He was bigger than life in so many ways. As a business person, he was inventive, relentless, curious and effective. As a philanthropist, he was a tireless supporter of Will Rogers and Variety with a heart of pure gold. As a friend, he was someone you could always count on. We’ll miss his boundless energy and joke-telling. This world is truly a better place because he was here.”
Joe Garel, VP of Film at exhibitor Cinepolis Cinemas, says, “This is a sad day for theatrical. Erik was in a pivotal spot running theatrical for MGM. Erik always had our backs when we were releasing films at TWC. He was a boss I respected and he made you feel like you were part of the club. He will be missed.”
Lee Daniels’ The Butler producer Cassian Elwes wrote on social media:
Erik Lomis Dead: Veteran MGM Movie Distribution Chief Was 64 – Deadline / this man played a pivotal role in my life not because he released my biggest hit , the butler, but because he hired my daughter arielle and treated her so well while teaching her https://t.co/hTF1H7Gc4f
— cassian elwes (@cassianelwes) March 22, 2023...
- 3/23/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
As the WGA overwhelmingly voted to approve its pattern of demands in advance of a possible writers’ strike, Warner Bros. is committed to not putting films into production until they are truly ready — even if the industry careens to a halt.
On March 7, the WGA announced that 98.4% of its members voted in favor of the “pattern of demands” ahead of the March 20 bargaining date. On March 3, Michael De Luca, co-chair and CEO along with Pamela Abdy of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, spoke at the Texas Film Awards press conference about how the studio will respond if strikes follow the expiration of WGA, DGA, and SAG-AFTRA’s current contracts with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Warner Bros.’ strategy? Not to scramble.
“It’s talked about [by others] like, ‘Gee, we need to stockpile material and prepare,'” De Luca said. “Pam and I, our attitude is it should be...
On March 7, the WGA announced that 98.4% of its members voted in favor of the “pattern of demands” ahead of the March 20 bargaining date. On March 3, Michael De Luca, co-chair and CEO along with Pamela Abdy of Warner Bros. Pictures Group, spoke at the Texas Film Awards press conference about how the studio will respond if strikes follow the expiration of WGA, DGA, and SAG-AFTRA’s current contracts with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).
Warner Bros.’ strategy? Not to scramble.
“It’s talked about [by others] like, ‘Gee, we need to stockpile material and prepare,'” De Luca said. “Pam and I, our attitude is it should be...
- 3/7/2023
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
A tent full of celebrities and movie executives in a beautiful setting gave hope for filmmaking this weekend. No, not the Indie Spirits — this was another tent, 1,300 miles away.
The Texas Film Awards took place March 3 on Willie Nelson’s famous Luck, Texas ranch, outside Austin. Under its canopy, open to the crisp Hill Country air, Jonathan Majors, Margo Martindale, John and Janet Pierson, and Mike De Luca were inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame by presenters including Luke Wilson, “Justified” creator Graham Yost, and Kevin Smith. It was a remarkable evening that defied the Red State vs. Blue State tropes that dominate cultural discourse — even as politics makes Texas filmmaking more challenging.
Earlier that day at the Film Awards press conference, DeLuca praised the state as a source of “new voices, underrepresented voices, new stories to tell, because LA can be a very bubble community. That’s...
The Texas Film Awards took place March 3 on Willie Nelson’s famous Luck, Texas ranch, outside Austin. Under its canopy, open to the crisp Hill Country air, Jonathan Majors, Margo Martindale, John and Janet Pierson, and Mike De Luca were inducted into the Texas Film Hall of Fame by presenters including Luke Wilson, “Justified” creator Graham Yost, and Kevin Smith. It was a remarkable evening that defied the Red State vs. Blue State tropes that dominate cultural discourse — even as politics makes Texas filmmaking more challenging.
Earlier that day at the Film Awards press conference, DeLuca praised the state as a source of “new voices, underrepresented voices, new stories to tell, because LA can be a very bubble community. That’s...
- 3/6/2023
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Courtenay Valenti, a former executive at Warner Bros., has been named the new film head at both Amazon and MGM Studios. Amazon and MGM Studios head Jennifer Salke made the announcement in a memo to staff on Tuesday. Read her announcement below.
The news comes as Amazon looks to make a big push into theatrical, starting with the Ben Affleck film “Air.” Valenti will take over for interim head Julie Rapaport. Valenti begins on March 1 as Head of Film, Streaming and Theatrical, reporting directly to Salke.
Valenti had been rumored and was being vetted for the gig for months, and the oversight of MGM’s film team was the last stone left unturned in the wake of Amazon’s big re-organization back in November. Sources told IndieWire in that span she’s the one for the job, especially if Amazon is serious about its theatrical ambitions.
Previously, Valenti was President...
The news comes as Amazon looks to make a big push into theatrical, starting with the Ben Affleck film “Air.” Valenti will take over for interim head Julie Rapaport. Valenti begins on March 1 as Head of Film, Streaming and Theatrical, reporting directly to Salke.
Valenti had been rumored and was being vetted for the gig for months, and the oversight of MGM’s film team was the last stone left unturned in the wake of Amazon’s big re-organization back in November. Sources told IndieWire in that span she’s the one for the job, especially if Amazon is serious about its theatrical ambitions.
Previously, Valenti was President...
- 2/28/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Veteran Hollywood movie executive Courtenay Valenti has closed a deal to take on the role of head of film, streaming and theatrical, for Amazon Studios and MGM as the e-commerce giant expands its footprint in the movie space. Talk of her pending hire was first reported at the end of January, and caps months of speculation as to who would take the job now that Amazon owns MGM.
Valenti will report directly to Amazon and MGM Studios chief Jennifer Salke. She begins March 1.
“Our strategy now encompasses an expanded investment in film, including a robust theatrical plan and growing streaming program, in order to bring even more movies to film lovers all over the world. A key part of this strategy has been taking a focused and deliberate approach to ensure we have the right people in place to execute our creative vision,” Salke wrote in memo to staff Tuesday.
Valenti will report directly to Amazon and MGM Studios chief Jennifer Salke. She begins March 1.
“Our strategy now encompasses an expanded investment in film, including a robust theatrical plan and growing streaming program, in order to bring even more movies to film lovers all over the world. A key part of this strategy has been taking a focused and deliberate approach to ensure we have the right people in place to execute our creative vision,” Salke wrote in memo to staff Tuesday.
- 2/28/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Looks like Middle-earth is big enough for everybody. At least that’s how Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke feels about Warner Bros. making competing projects based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Lord of the Rings.”
Salke, who has held the top content job at Amazon since 2018, walked a Monday red carpet for the premiere of Michael B. Jordan’s “Creed III” where she spoke with Variety about last week’s news that Warner Bros. had secured film rights to some of Tolkien’s books.
One of Salke’s defining moves at Amazon was to secure television rights to the same literary works, which she achieved at great expense. The first season of Amazon’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” premiered in 2022 with a big global marketing push and critical acclaim — as well as a reported budget north of $450 million for the first batch of episodes. Previously,...
Salke, who has held the top content job at Amazon since 2018, walked a Monday red carpet for the premiere of Michael B. Jordan’s “Creed III” where she spoke with Variety about last week’s news that Warner Bros. had secured film rights to some of Tolkien’s books.
One of Salke’s defining moves at Amazon was to secure television rights to the same literary works, which she achieved at great expense. The first season of Amazon’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power” premiered in 2022 with a big global marketing push and critical acclaim — as well as a reported budget north of $450 million for the first batch of episodes. Previously,...
- 2/28/2023
- by Matt Donnelly and Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Pictures is revamping the “Lord of the Rings” film franchise.
On a Thursday earnings call, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced that newly-installed studio leaders Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy have brokered a deal to make “multiple” films based on the beloved J. R. R. Tolkien books. The projects will be developed through WB label New Line Cinema. The first “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, helmed by Peter Jackson, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide; Jackson’s follow-up trilogy based on Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” matched those grosses.
No filmmakers have been attached to the projects as yet, but in a statement to Variety, Jackson and his main “Lord of the Rings” collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens said Warner Bros. and Embracer “have kept us in the loop every step of the way.”
“We look forward to speaking with them further to hear their vision for the franchise moving forward,...
On a Thursday earnings call, Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav announced that newly-installed studio leaders Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy have brokered a deal to make “multiple” films based on the beloved J. R. R. Tolkien books. The projects will be developed through WB label New Line Cinema. The first “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, helmed by Peter Jackson, grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide; Jackson’s follow-up trilogy based on Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” matched those grosses.
No filmmakers have been attached to the projects as yet, but in a statement to Variety, Jackson and his main “Lord of the Rings” collaborators Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens said Warner Bros. and Embracer “have kept us in the loop every step of the way.”
“We look forward to speaking with them further to hear their vision for the franchise moving forward,...
- 2/23/2023
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Los Angeles, Feb 17 (Ians) Indian American filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan has inked a new multi-year, first-look deal with Warner Bros. Pictures, with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker switching his allegiance from Universal.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Warner Bros. Pictures Group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy.
News of the pact comes as the director celebrates his latest release ‘Knock at the Cabin’, which marks his seventh No. 1 opening at the box office – he has a No. 1 film in each of the last four decades – and further contributes to his more than 3 billion haul at the global box office, beginning with his breakout hit, ‘The Sixth Sense’, reports Variety.
“Where I write and direct is my home,” Shyamalan said in a statement announcing the new deal.
“Disney and Universal, where I’ve made most of my films, will always be home and family to me. Warner Bros....
The announcement was made on Thursday by Warner Bros. Pictures Group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy.
News of the pact comes as the director celebrates his latest release ‘Knock at the Cabin’, which marks his seventh No. 1 opening at the box office – he has a No. 1 film in each of the last four decades – and further contributes to his more than 3 billion haul at the global box office, beginning with his breakout hit, ‘The Sixth Sense’, reports Variety.
“Where I write and direct is my home,” Shyamalan said in a statement announcing the new deal.
“Disney and Universal, where I’ve made most of my films, will always be home and family to me. Warner Bros....
- 2/17/2023
- by News Bureau
- GlamSham
M. Night Shyamalan has inked a new multi-year, first-look deal with Warner Bros. Pictures, with the Oscar-nominated filmmaker switching his allegiance from Universal. The announcement was made Thursday by Warner Bros. Pictures Group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy.
News of the pact comes as the director celebrates his latest release “Knock at the Cabin,” which marks his seventh No. 1 opening at the box office — he has a No. 1 film in each of the last four decades — and further contributes to his more than 3 billion haul at the global box office, beginning with his breakout hit, “The Sixth Sense.”
“Where I write and direct is my home,” Shyamalan said in a statement announcing the new deal. “Disney and Universal, where I’ve made most of my films, will always be home and family to me. Warner Bros. has a storied history of cinema. Through its recent experiences,...
News of the pact comes as the director celebrates his latest release “Knock at the Cabin,” which marks his seventh No. 1 opening at the box office — he has a No. 1 film in each of the last four decades — and further contributes to his more than 3 billion haul at the global box office, beginning with his breakout hit, “The Sixth Sense.”
“Where I write and direct is my home,” Shyamalan said in a statement announcing the new deal. “Disney and Universal, where I’ve made most of my films, will always be home and family to me. Warner Bros. has a storied history of cinema. Through its recent experiences,...
- 2/16/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros. Pictures Group has signed a multiyear first-look directing and producing agreement with two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, Warner Bros. Pictures Group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy announced on Thursday.
Under the new agreement, Shyamalan and his Philly-based production company Blinding Edge Pictures, run by president of production Ashwin Rajan, will develop original projects for the filmmaker to produce and/or direct for Wbpg production divisions Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema.
Projects currently in the pipeline at Blinding Edge include “Trap,” Shyamalan’s much-anticipated next project as a director which is dated for a theatrical release on August 2, 2024 and “The Watchers,” the forthcoming directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan, which will commence production this year and is slated for a June 7, 2024 release.
Also Read:
How to Watch ‘Knock at the Cabin': Is the M. Night Shyamalan Film Streaming?
In addition, Blinding...
Under the new agreement, Shyamalan and his Philly-based production company Blinding Edge Pictures, run by president of production Ashwin Rajan, will develop original projects for the filmmaker to produce and/or direct for Wbpg production divisions Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema.
Projects currently in the pipeline at Blinding Edge include “Trap,” Shyamalan’s much-anticipated next project as a director which is dated for a theatrical release on August 2, 2024 and “The Watchers,” the forthcoming directorial debut of Ishana Night Shyamalan, which will commence production this year and is slated for a June 7, 2024 release.
Also Read:
How to Watch ‘Knock at the Cabin': Is the M. Night Shyamalan Film Streaming?
In addition, Blinding...
- 2/16/2023
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Warner Bros Pictures Group has inked a multi-year first-look directing and producing agreement with two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan, whose movies have grossed 3.3 billion at the box office.
In a career spanning four decades, Shyamalan has the rare distinction of having film open at No. 1 in each of those decades. Most recently, he saw his seventh No. 1 opening at the box office with Universal’s Knock at the Cabin, which currently counts 40 million worldwide off a 20M production cost.
The pact with Shyamalan comes amid a string of talent deals made recently by Warner Bros. Pictures Group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy; previous first looks include with Akiva Goldsman’s Weed Road as well as two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, both first reported by Deadline.
Under the new agreement, Shyamalan and his Philadelphia-based production company Blinding Edge Pictures, run by president of production Ashwin Rajan,...
In a career spanning four decades, Shyamalan has the rare distinction of having film open at No. 1 in each of those decades. Most recently, he saw his seventh No. 1 opening at the box office with Universal’s Knock at the Cabin, which currently counts 40 million worldwide off a 20M production cost.
The pact with Shyamalan comes amid a string of talent deals made recently by Warner Bros. Pictures Group co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy; previous first looks include with Akiva Goldsman’s Weed Road as well as two-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker Baz Luhrmann, both first reported by Deadline.
Under the new agreement, Shyamalan and his Philadelphia-based production company Blinding Edge Pictures, run by president of production Ashwin Rajan,...
- 2/16/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
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