News

Lionsgate vice chair Michael Burns has extended his employment agreement with the Hollywood studio for another year through Oct. 2024, while fellow dealmaker COO Brian Goldsmith has entered into a new multi-year contractual deal.

On Friday, in a securities filing, Lionsgate said the board of directors agreed on Feb. 28 that the studio will exercise an option to extend Burn’s contract, with all other terms of the original Dec. 2020 agreement remaining unchanged.

Burns and Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer – whose own employment deal in a similar fashion was recently extended through August 2025 – represent the longest-running management team in Hollywood, having been with the studio for 24 years.

At the same time, Burns and Feltheimer have been busy with plans to split off the studio’s pay TV and streaming business from its studio operations to make both more attractive as takeover targets, with a completion of that strategic alternatives process set for September...

‘Emancipation’ filmmaker, Antoine Fuqua has been set to helm the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, ‘Michael’ for Lionsgate.

The film is said to be going to explore all aspects of Michael’s life, including his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time.

‘Skyfall,’ ‘The Aviator’ and ‘Gladiator’ scribe John Logan will write the story, which promises a “never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the complicated man who became the King of Pop.”

Also in news – BAFTA Ee Rising Star nominees 2023 announced

Joe Drake, chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group says: “Antoine is a perceptive and powerful filmmaker, and we feel very fortunate that he has chosen Michael as his next project. His visionary storytelling skills and commitment to his craft will make Michael an unforgettable film.”

Graham King will produce the film alongside John Branca and John McClain who are co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate.

Director Antoine Fuqua will helm the upcoming biopic film, ‘Michael’, based on the life of Michael Jackson from Lionsgate.

Set to begin principal photography in 2023, the movie will be produced by Graham King, Oscar-winner for ‘The Departed’ (2006), and three-time nominee for ‘The Aviator’ (2004), ‘Hugo’ (2011) and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ (2018), which won four Oscars including best actor for Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury, reports ‘Variety’.

Written by ‘Skyfall’ scribe John Logan, ‘Michael’ is said to give audiences the never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the Grammy-winning singer who became the King of Pop.

The film will explore all aspects of Michael’s life, including his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time.

“Antoine is a perceptive and powerful filmmaker, and we feel very fortunate that he has chosen Michael as his next project. His visionary storytelling skills and commitment to his craft will make Michael an unforgettable film,...

Production to commence this year; studio holds worldwide rights.

Lionsgate has hired Antoine Fuqua to direct its Michael Jackson biopic Michael produced by Graham King and said principal photography will commence this year.

John Logan, who collaborated with King on Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator, wrote the screenplay to what the studio said will present an unprecedented portrait of the “complicated man who became the King of Pop”.

Michael will explore all aspects of the late Jackson’s life, including his most iconic performances from his time with The Jackson 5 through his world-renowned solo career as the biggest selling artist of all time.

Lionsgate announced today, Jan. 18, that acclaimed director Antoine Fuqua would be directing the King of Pop’s biopic!

The pop legend’s biopic, aptly titled “Michael,” will also be produced by Graham King, the mind behind the Queen biopic “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

Fuqua’s directorial resume so far boasts “Training Day,” “Emancipation,” and “The Equalizer” franchise.

Read More: Michael Jackson’s Estate ‘Saddened By The Sudden Tragic Loss’ Of Lisa Marie Presley

Joe Drake, the chairman of Lionsgate, complimented Antoine for his “powerful” filmmaking during the announcement on Wednesday.

“Antoine is a perceptive and powerful filmmaker, and we feel very fortunate that he has chosen “Michael“ as his next project. His visionary storytelling skills and commitment to his craft will make “Michael” an unforgettable film.”

“Michael” aims to give a never-before-told, highly in-depth portrayal of the highly controversial man who eventually earned the crown of King of Pop.

Read More: Akon...

Antoine Fuqua is taking on the King of Pop.

The “Training Day” and “Emancipation” director is set to helm upcoming Michael Jackson biopic “Michael,” IndieWire can confirm. Produced by Graham King (“Bohemian Rhapsody”), the film is set to give audiences the never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the complicated Jackson 5 member and solo artist. The film will explore all aspects of Michael’s life, including his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time.

“Antoine is a perceptive and powerful filmmaker, and we feel very fortunate that he has chosen Michael as his next project. His visionary storytelling skills and commitment to his craft will make Michael an unforgettable film,” Joe Drake, Chair of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said of director Fuqua.

“Southpaw” director Fuqua stated, “The first films of my career were music videos, and I still feel that combining film and music are...

Director Antoine Fuqua will helm the upcoming biopic film, “Michael,” based on the life of Michael Jackson from Lionsgate, which will distribute the film worldwide.

Set to begin principal photography in 2023, the movie will be produced by Graham King, Oscar-winner for “The Departed” (2006), and three-time nominee for “The Aviator” (2004), “Hugo” (2011) and “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018), which won four Oscars including best actor for Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury.

Written by “Skyfall” scribe John Logan, “Michael” is said to give audiences the never-before-told and in-depth portrayal of the Grammy-winning singer who became the King of Pop. The film will explore all aspects of Michael’s life, including his most iconic performances that led him to become the greatest entertainer of all time. Logan has assembled three Oscar noms for “Gladiator” (2000), “The Aviator” and “Hugo.”

“Antoine is a perceptive and powerful filmmaker, and we feel very fortunate that he has chosen Michael as his next project.

Antoine Fuqua, the man who directed such films as “The Equalizer,” “Shooter,” “The Magnificent Seven” and “Emancipation,” has been tapped by Lionsgate to helm their upcoming Michael Jackson biopic.

The film, entitled “Michael,” will be produced by Graham King (producer of the 911 million-grossing and Oscar-winning “Bohemian Rhapsody”) and penned by John Logan. King will co-produce the film alongside John Branca and John McClain, the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate.

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake said: “I am very excited that Lionsgate will be part of this epic film, and thrilled to be working with Graham, who has proven success in telling iconic life stories, from ‘”Bohemian Rhapsody” to “Ali;” when combined with John, we couldn’t be in more extraordinary hands.”

Also Read:

‘Emancipation’ Review: Will Smith Slavery Saga Challenges Audiences With Grueling Cruelty

Added King: “I first met the Jackson family in 1981 and I’m humbled...

Exclusive: Antoine Fuqua is set to direct Michael, a Lionsgate drama telling the complex life story of the iconic singer Michael Jackson. A script is in by John Logan, and the film will be produced by Graham King, who turned the Freddie Mercury Queen story into the blockbuster Oscar Best Picture-nominated Bohemian Rhapsody. Gk Films will produce alongside the co-executors of Jackson’s estate, John Branca and John McClain.

Turning Mercury’s complicated rise, fall and triumphant comeback into a film that won Best Actor for Rami Malek might have been an easier task than the moonwalking over landmines that will have to be done with Jackson’s story. Anyone who has seen the job that Fuqua did on the Will Smith-starrer Emancipation might come away believing he hit a high-water mark as a filmmaker because of his unflinching telling of an often brutal story of the escaped enslaved man Joseph.

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Lionsgate hasn’t unveiled any megadeal, but top executives at the Hollywood studio talked up the benefits of potentially spinning off its studio business during an investor conference appearance on Wednesday.

“It’s definitely going to help every part of our ecosystem, not only an individual franchise like Hunger Games or John Wick,” Packer told the Wells Fargo Tmt Summit during a session that was webcast. Packer, who has recently inked licensing deals for the upcoming John Wick TV origin story The Continental at Peacock, the comedy Ghosts at Paramount+ and Schitt’s Creek at Hulu, insisted the studio will be able to continuing selling titles to a host of streaming platforms, and not just Starz, as the traditional premium cable channel pivots to the streaming space.

And Joe Drake, chair of of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, predicted no great disruption at his...

Click here to read the full article.

Lionsgate has renewed its employment agreement with president of worldwide television distribution Jim Packer.

Terms of the new long-term contract were not disclosed, but the latest agreement with Packer follows Lionsgate inking licensing deals for the upcoming John Wick TV origin story The Continental at Peacock, the comedy Ghosts at Paramount+ and Schitt’s Creek at Hulu, among others.

Packer joined Lionsgate in 2011 from MGM and before that was at Walt Disney. During his tenure with the studio, Lionsgate’s 17,000-title film and television library has doubled its revenue to nearly 800 million last year.

Lionsgate’s worldwide television distribution group licenses the studio’s portfolio of 40 to 50 feature films annually, its TV slate, its Starz original programming and the sale of media content to broadcast, cable, SVOD, AVOD and Fast platforms worldwide.

“He (Packer) is a world-class executive, a respected leader and a trusted...

Executive returned to Lionsgate in October 2017 when studio acquired Good Universe.

Lionsgate and motion picture group chair Joe Drake have signed a new long-term contract as the studio lines up tentpoles John Wick: Chapter Four, Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes, and Ballerina.

The slate of upcoming films assembled by Drake and his team includes Now You See Me 3, Expendables 4, and a reimagining of Dirty Dancing starring and produced by Jennifer Grey.

Among the roster are Ballerina, a female-led action thriller John Wick spin-off starring Ana de Armas, and a Michael Jackson event film produced by Graham King.

Lionsgate and motion picture group chair Joe Drake have reached a new multiyear employment agreement, retaining the executive who has led the film division since 2017, the studio announced on Tuesday morning.

“Joe and his team continue to execute our core mission of creating great intellectual properties with a strong slate of tentpole films ready for launch beginning with John Wick: Chapter Four,” Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer said. “He is an entrepreneur with strong talent relationships and a firm grasp of the global theatrical marketplace, and he will continue to be a great partner in helping us move the Company forward.”

Also Read:

Lionsgate Extends Contract for TV Group Chair and Chief Content Integration Officer Kevin Beggs

Drake initially served as Lionsgate’s motion picture group chair from 2007-2012, overseeing the launch of the “Hunger Games” and “Expendables” series along with the expansion of the “Saw” horror franchise. In 2012, he left...

Longtime film executive Joe Drake has extended his contract as Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group chair.

The multi-year deal will unfold as Lionsgate debuts a slew of sequels and spinoffs in theaters, including “John Wick: Chatper Four,” the “Hunger Games” prequel “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” “Now You See Me 3,” “Expendables 4,” and the remake of “Dirty Dancing.”

“Joe and his team continue to execute our core mission of creating great intellectual properties with a strong slate of tentpole films ready for launch beginning with ‘John Wick: Chapter Four,'” said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer. “He is an entrepreneur with strong talent relationships and a firm grasp of the global theatrical marketplace, and he will continue to be a great partner in helping us move the company forward.”

Drake returned to Lionsgate in October 2017 when the company acquired Good Universe, the production and distribution company that he co-founded...

Joe Drake has inked a new long-term employment agreement with Lionsgate as their Motion Picture Group chair.

The deal announced Tuesday comes as Drake and his team have assembled a 2023 film slate that includes such franchises as John Wick: Chapter Four starring Keanu Reeves, and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, the prequel in the nearly 3 billion Hunger Games franchise that Drake helped launch in 2012.

On the horizon, there’s also Now You See Me 3, Expendables 4, the reimagining of Dirty Dancing starring and produced by Jennifer Grey, the John Wick spinoff Ballerina starring Knives Out’s Ana de Armas, and the Graham King-produced Michael Jackson event film.

Also under Drake’s oversee is a direct-to-streamer film division.

“Joe and his team continue to execute our core mission of creating great intellectual properties with a strong slate of tentpole films ready for launch beginning with John Wick: Chapter Four,...

Click here to read the full article.

Joe Drake has inked a new long term deal to stay at the Hollywood studio as chair of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group.

The news arrives as Lionsgate readies an upcoming movie slate that includes John Wick: Chapter Four, The Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Dirty Dancing, Now You See Me 3 and Ballerina. Drake returned to Lionsgate in October 2017 as the studio acquired Good Universe, the production and distribution company he cofounded and ran alongside partner Nathan Kahane.

Drake reentered a studio different from the one he left in 2012 as Lionsgate had moved beyond its hit Hunger Games and Twilight franchises to leverage a diversified portfolio of film and TV properties across multiple platforms, especially after acquiring Starz.

Before co-founding Good Universe in 2012, Drake served as Lionsgate co-coo and Motion Picture Group president for five years and launched the Hunger Games...

Lionsgate, the studio behind “John Wick,” “The Hunger Games” and Starz, has entered the podcasting space. The company launched a new division called Lionsgate Sound, which will operate as a full-service podcast production company, handling titles for the studio’s film and television business while also overseeing projects for third-party clients.

Lionsgate Sound will launch with four shows, including a podcast from rapper 50 Cent. It has more than a dozen additional projects in the pipeline.

The current slate includes “Cuate/twin: The Downfall of El Chapo (working title),” hosted and produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and his newly established G-Unit Audio; an interview podcast “Playing Dead”; the FBI-focused show “A Nation for Thieves”; and “Died and Survived,” which details near-death experiences. Lionsgate Sound is also producing true-crime thriller “The Lives and Deaths of Barry and Honey Sherman” for exclusive distribution by CBC. The podcast from 50 Cent will be exclusively distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network,...

A Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson-hosted and produced show about former Mexican drug lord “El Chapo” is among the first projects set for the launch of Lionsgate’s new podcast division, Lionsgate Sound.

Jackson’s show has the working title “Cuate/twin/: the downfall of El Chapo” and is part of his newly established G-Unit Audio, exclusively distributed by the iHeartPodcast Network.

In “Cuate/twin/: the downfall of El Chapo,” speaking publicly for the first time ever, Chicago-born identical twins Peter and Jay Flores will explore how they became two of the biggest drug traffickers in America, peddling tons of cocaine across the country and eventually become seated at the right hand of El Chapo himself, only to eventually betray him in a desperate attempt to escape.

Also Read:

Adam Fogelson to Exit STX and Named Vice Chair at Lionsgate Motion Picture Group

Three other shows will also launch along with Lionsgate Sound,...

Lionsgate is moving into the world of podcasts.

The studio joins the long list of television companies that have set up an audio division to respond to the increasingly booming world of podcasting.

It is launching with shows from 50 Cent and Michael Nathanson (The Punisher).

Lionsgate Sound will operate as a full-service podcast production company, handling podcast production for the studio’s film and television businesses while also overseeing all elements of podcast production for third party clients.

It will overseen by Gretchen Stockdale and Nicholas Caprio with Charlie Webster heading up creative for the division. Lionsgate’s Pilgrim Media Group is a minority owner in Lionsgate Sound and will handle the day-to-day operations of the group.

The division will launch with four shows: Cuate/twin/: the downfall of El Chapo (w/t), hosted and produced by Curtis ‘50’ Cent Jackson and his newly established G-Unit Audio, and exclusively distributed...

Click here to read the full article.

Lionsgate has launched a podcasting division with shows by Curtis Jackson, aka 50 Cent, and Michael Nathanson of Netflix’s Marvel’s The Punisher.

Lionsgate Sound will handle podcast production for the studio’s film and TV businesses while also producing audio product for third party clients. Lionsgate’s Pilgrim Media Group, headed by producer Craig Piligian, becomes a minority owner in Lionsgate Sound and will handle the day-to-day operations of the group to be overseen by Gretchen Stockdale and Nicholas Caprio.

And broadcast-journalist and producer Charlie Webster will head up creative for the new division. Lionsgate Sound will kick off with four shows, including the podcast with a working title Cuate/twin/: the downfall of El Chapo, hosted and produced by Curtis Jackson — executive producer of the Power franchise from Lionsgate-owned cable and streaming network Starz — and his newly established G-Unit Audio.

Exclusive: We hear that STX and Lionsgate are down the road on a new strategic deal that will see the latter distributing and marketing the former’s upcoming theatrical releases.

STX’s upcoming slate includes such titles as Guy Ritchie’s Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre; Michael Mann’s Ferrari; sequel Greenland: Migration; and Neil Burger’s The Marsh King’s Daughter, starring Daisy Ridley, Garrett Hedlund and Ben Mendelsohn.

The two companies became close during STX’s go-shop period after Najafi Companies announced a 173M agreement to acquire the studio back in December. STX opted to remain independent with Najafi and extra financing from Birch Grove LP and 777 Partners, thus divorcing from its merger with India’s Eros International as Deadline first reported.

STX will remain an independent studio outside the Lionsgate deal, with plans to produce 12-15 movies annually composed of theatrical and streaming titles.

The news of the...

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Former STX Film chief Adam Fogelson has joined Lionsgate as vice chair of the Hollywood studio’s Motion Picture Group.

He will report to Joe Drake, chair of the studio’s Motion Picture Group, as he oversees worldwide marketing and theatrical distribution and has a role in planning and executing the film unit’s content strategy. Fogelson starts work at the studio on Sept. 1 after he ends his stint as chairman of STX Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group.

Over eight years, his credits included Hustlers, Greenland, the Bad Moms franchise, The Upside, The Gift, Molly’s Game and The Gentlemen. Before joining STX, Fogelson was chairman of Universal Pictures.

“Adam is one of our industry’s most experienced executives. As we launch new installments of the Hunger Games, Dirty Dancing, and John Wick franchises, as well as new IP, franchises and properties, we are...

Adam Fogelson has been named vice chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, the studio announced Monday.

He joins the studio from STX Entertainment, where he was in charge of the struggling company’s motion picture group. At STX, Fogelson launched the successful “Bad Moms” franchise, as well as the critical and commercial hit “Hustlers.” Other Fogelson-backed movies include “Molly’s Game,” which picked up an Academy Award nomination for its screenplay, as well as bombs such as “The Happytime Murders” and “UglyDolls.” STX was originally intended to make mid-budget comedies, thrillers and other genres that studios had abandoned in favor of franchises and comic book fare, but the results were a mixed bag and streaming services made many of the same kind of films that the studio was attempting to make into theatrical propositions. Fogelson and STX have long maintained that they kept costs in check and that most of the film slate remained profitable.

Lionsgate has named Adam Fogelson as its Vice Chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, with the executive set to exit his role as chairman of STX Entertainment’s film group.

Fogelson will begin in his new role Sept. 1 and will report to Joe Drake, chair of the studio’s film group. He will oversee worldwide marketing and theatrical distribution and be part of the motion picture group’s leadership team involved in all aspects of planning and executing its content strategy.

Also Read:

Woody Harrelson in Talks to Star in Musical Comedy ‘Sailing’ for Chris D’Arienzo and Lionsgate

Fogelson has been chairman of STX Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group for the last eight years. Prior to joining STX, he was chairman of Universal Pictures.

At STX, Fogelson oversaw titles such as “Hustlers,” “Greenland,” the “Bad Moms” franchise, “The Upside,” “The Gift,” “Molly’s Game” and “The Gentlemen.” STX recently separated...

Exclusive: Adam Fogelson has been appointed Vice Chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group and will begin September 1 as he segues from his role as STX Entertainment Motion Picture Group Chairman, a post he’s held for the last eight years.

In his new role at Lionsgate, Fogelson will oversee worldwide marketing and theatrical distribution and be part of the Motion Picture Group’s leadership team involved in all aspects of planning and executing their content strategy. He will report directly to Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake.

At STX, Fogelson built a notable feature slate of mid-budget films, aimed at specific demos, that crossed over to wider audiences. They include Jennifer Lopez’s highest-grossing pic at the domestic box office, Hustlers; the 314M-grossing Bad Moms franchise; The Upside (125M WW); and The Gentlemen (115M WW), among others. Like many other studios, STX pivoted during the pandemic,...

Executive’s new role to start on September 1.

Adam Fogelson, the outgoing chairman of STX’s motion picture group, is joining Lionsgate as vice-chair of the studio’s motion picture group.

Starting September 1 Fogelson will oversee worldwide marketing and theatrical distribution at Lionsgate and be part of the motion picture group’s leadership team involved in planning and executing content strategy. He reports to motion picture group chair Joe Drake.

The executive, who prior to STX served as chairman of Universal Pictures, becomes the latest executive from the senior ranks to leave STX following the announcement in May that president...

Lionsgate released a first-look photo of Keanu Reeves from the eagerly awaited “John Wick: Chapter 4” on Thursday.

In the image, which was shared on Twitter, our favorite assassin on the run is kneeling in apparent prayer, with his eyes closed, surrounded by dozens of lit candles. The caption reads, “And so it begins…”

We’re not sure what he’s praying for, but our prayer is that the film’s release date, March 24, 2023, gets here much faster.

“John Wick 4” (Lionsgate) Also Read:

‘DC League of Super Pets': Keanu Reeves Makes His Debut as Batman (Video)

Chad Stahelski returns to direct the fourth installment in the action franchise, which features Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Scott Adkins, Natalia Tena, and Clancy Brown. Continental regulars Ian McShane and Lance Reddick also return.

Shay Hatten and Michael Finch wrote the script for “John Wick: Chapter 4,” and it’s produced by Stahelski, Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee.

Exclusive: Producer Todd Lieberman has formed Hidden Pictures and tapped Alex Young for the president post. Formed to generate film and TV projects, Hidden Pictures has entered a strategic film partnership with Lionsgate. The new company has gotten off the ground with a film rights deal in competition for Freida McFadden’s bestselling novel The Housemaid.

As part of its structure, Lieberman’s Hidden Pictures will have a development fund to secure, develop and package material in-house before bringing it to market. Aside from Lionsgate, its financial partners include Mint Mobile CEO David Glickman.

The venture follows Lieberman’s split with Mandeville partner David Hoberman. They were together 20 years with films that generated more than 4 billion in box office receipts, including Disney’s live-action Beauty and the Beast. Their TV credits include the USA Network series Monk.

Hidden Pictures’ goal will be to tell uplifting stories with a focus on discoveries of self,...

Marisa Liston, Lionsgate’s president of worldwide marketing for the studio’s film group, is exiting her role, as is EVP of marketing David Edwards, TheWrap has learned. A search is underway by the studio for their replacements.

Liston joined Lionsgate in 2019 from Sony as its EVP of Publicity and was promoted last August to her current role. Edwards is a 10-year veteran of the studio, rising through the studio’s digital and strategic marketing departments.

“The mark of a great executive is to leave a place better than she found it and Marisa will be doing that. In a time of constant change and unpredictability, and as we continue to align our company to meet our ever-evolving business goals, Marisa has been an inspiring and creative leader. We are going to miss having Marisa as a colleague and are sad that she has decided to step away,” Joe Drake,...

Exclusive: Deadline has learned that Marisa Liston and David Edwards, Lionsgate’s president and executive vice president of theatrical marketing, will be stepping away from their posts. A new search is promptly underway by Lionsgate for a new head of marketing.

Liston joined Lionsgate in 2019 as EVP Publicity, responsible for the publicity campaigns in support of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, Knives Out, Angels Has Fallen, Midway, and other hits. She was promoted to President of Worldwide Marketing last August, overseeing the marketing campaigns for American Underdog, Moonfall, and The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.

Edwards is a ten-year veteran of the studio, rising through the studio’s digital and strategic marketing departments.

Joe Drake, chair, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group told Deadline, “The mark of a great executive is to leave a place better than she found it and Marisa will be doing that. In a time of constant change and unpredictability,...

The Graham King produced Michael Jackson biopic project, which is being made with the blessing of the pop legend’s estate, is seeing its worldwide distribution rights snapped up by Lionsgate.

Deadline first told you about the project, penned by 3x Oscar nominee John Logan, back in November 2019. The project is still moving forward with Logan’s script.

The Departed Oscar winning producer King will produce with the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain. King and Logan previously collaborated on Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator. Logan also wrote Ridley Scott’s Best Picture winner Gladiator.

Michael is set to be an in-depth portrayal of a complicated man who became the King of Pop. It will bring to life Jackson’s most iconic performances as it gives an informed insight into the entertainer’s artistic process and personal life.

Beamed Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake said,...

To use a football analogy, Lionsgate called a late-stage audible for sports drama “American Underdog,” moving its domestic theatrical premiere to Christmas Day from a congested Dec. 10, the company revealed in its slate presentation Thursday at CinemaCon. Lionsgate was the last distributor to show a product reel at the Las Vegas gathering of cinema operators that ended Thursday.

“American Underdog,” the true-life drama of grocery-store worker turned football superstar Kurt Warner, received a Lionsgate marketing blitz with posters plastered across CinemaCon. Full-sized autographed footballs emblazoned with the film’s title were passed out in a promotion. Since it is an inspirational drama, “this movie perfectly aligns with the emotions of the holiday season: The power of faith,” Joe Drake, Chair of Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, said in his in-person remarks. Warner and actor Zachary Levi, who portrays Warner, delivered recorded comments.

Nicolas Cage’s Hollywood satire “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent...

Lionsgate’s Hunger Games prequel film based on Susan Collins’ novel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is aiming to start production in the first half of 2022.

That update came from Lionsgate motion picture group chairman Joe Drake during the company’s quarterly earnings call with Wall Street analysts. The tentpole film is targeted for release in either late fiscal 2023 or early 2024, he said. It’s “moving along really, really well” in pre-production, he said.

While financial results largely met expectations, the overall picture was not especially scintillating for the company. Starz subscription growth stalled and movie profit tumbled due to P&a comparisons with a year ago. During the shorter-than-usual, 30-minute call, execs cited the reopening of the economy and a light programming quarter at Starz as dampers but expressed optimism for the rest of fiscal 2022.

Drake was asked about the landscape for theatrical film releases, a hot topic...

Lionsgate co-coo and Motion Picture Group co-president Steve Beeks is set to leave the studio at the end of the year.

The 20-year veteran of Lionsgate will take on a consulting role as he looks to new opportunities, the studio said Monday.

"Having worked for so long in such a dynamic environment has inspired me to move forward with entrepreneurial opportunities of my own," Beeks said in a statement.

Beeks' pending departure follows Joe Drake's return to Lionsgate as co-chair of the Motion Picture Group. Drake serves alongside Patrick Wachsberger, who recently signed a new agreement with the...

Lionsgate executive Andrew Kramer's recent exit from the independent studio followed allegations that he harassed a subordinate, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Kramer had served as COO of International for Lionsgate's Motion Picture Group since 2013. Prior to that, he spent seven years at The Weinstein Co., where he was president of business and legal affairs and general counsel.

When word of Kramer's departure from Lionsgate first broke on Thursday, insiders said it was because of a restructuring prompted by the recent hire of Joe Drake as co-president of the Motion Picture Group alongside Patrick Wachsberger. Numerous sources confirm...

Andrew Kramer, COO of International for the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, has left the company, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

It's understood his exit is related to the division's ongoing restructuring and streamlining, which includes Joe Drake returning to Lionsgate as co-chair of the Motion Picture Group, alongside Patrick Wachsberger. The departure is not thought to be tied to Kramer serving as president of business and legal affairs and general counsel at The Weinstein Co. until 2013, when he joined Lionsgate as COO of international distribution.

While at The Weinstein Co. and Dimension Films, Kramer reported to company...

Andrew Kramer is stepping down as the COO of Lionsgate’s international film division, TheWrap has learned. The departure comes as Lionsgate plans a restructuring of the studio, with a direct replacement for the position yet to be announced. Kramer joined Lionsgate in 2013 after seven years with The Weinstein Company, during which he handled all legal affairs for TWC and Dimension Films’ movie and TV productions. Also Read: Lionsgate Names Joe Drake Motion Picture Group Co-Chair During his time at Lionsgate, Kramer handled Lionsgate’s overseas marketing, distribution, and acquisitions; and for three of the four years he was at the studio,...

Lionsgate has named film executive Joe Drake co-chair of its Motion Picture Group, the company announced Thursday. Drake will team up with co-chair Patrick Wachsberger, who recently signed a new agreement to run Lionsgate’s worldwide motion picture operations. This marks Drake’s return to Lionsgate — he served as co-coo and motion picture group president for five years before founding Good Universe in 2012. Good Universe cofounder and CEO Nathan Kahane will continue to head the production company under Lionsgate ownership. Under the Lionsgate banner, Kahane will oversee key talent partnerships, which includes Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver’s Point Grey.

Joe Drake has returned to Lionsgate as Co-Chair of its Motion Picture Group. He’ll share the title with Patrick Wachsberger, who recently signed a new agreement with the Company, and together they will run Lionsgate's worldwide motion picture operations. Good Universe cofounder and CEO Nathan Kahane will continue to head Good Universe, which is owned by Lionsgate and has overall deals with Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver's Point Grey Pictures, and Don’t Breathe…...

Joe Drake has returned to Lionsgate, this time as co-chair of the Motion Picture Group.

He will serve alongside Patrick Wachsberger, who recently signed a new agreement with the studio to run Lionsgate's worldwide motion picture operations. Drake replaces Rob Friedman as co-chairman of the Motion Picture Group, who left Lionsgate a year ago.

"Joe is one of the architects of our portfolio film strategy and a perfect fit for our culture," Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer and vice-chairman Michael Burns said Thursday in a statement. "With Joe joining an incredibly talented group of executives, we've assembled a team with unparalleled...

Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron's comedy Flarksy will open in theaters Feb. 8, 2019, Lionsgate/Summit announced Tuesday.

Jonathan Levine is directing the movie from a Black List script by Dan Sterling.

The story revolves around an out-of-work journalist (Rogen) who decides to pursue his childhood crush and babysitter (Theron). The hitch? She's now one of the world's most powerful women.

Point Grey principals Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver will produce alongside Denver & Delilah’s Theron, Beth Kono and A.J. Dix. Sterling will also executive produce alongside Good Universe’s Nathan Kahane and Joe Drake. Alex McAtee is overseeing...

Exclusive: Good Universe has acquired screen rights to Katie Khan’s science fiction novel Hold Back The Stars, and attached Lee Toland Krieger to direct it. 21 Laps' Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen will produce, and Good Universe’s Nathan Kahane, Joe Drake and Erin Westerman will be executive producers. Set in the near future and spanning two separate timelines, Khan’s novel is a romance that follows the story of a couple falling for each other on earth, juxtaposed against the…...

Comedy will be in vein of Sausage Party, Superbad.

Point Grey Pictures and Good Universe will produce Good Boys, a comedy said to be in the vein of Sausage Party and Superbad.

Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky will make their feature directorial debut from their screenplay about four 12-year-olds from the Los Angeles area who undertake an epic quest to replace a broken drone before their parents get home.

Point Grey principals Seth Rogen (pictured), Evan Goldberg and James Weaver will serve as producers, and Good Universe’s Nathan Kahane and Joe Drake are executive producers.

Josh Fagen is overseeing Good Boys for Point Grey and Brady Fujikawa for Good Universe.

Eisenberg and Stupnitsky are a writing-directing/producing team who won the 2007 WGA Comedy Series award for The Office.

They also wrote Bad Teacher starring Cameron Diaz.

Dan Freedman of Good Universe negotiated the deals on behalf of the producers.

Point Grey Picture...

Point Grey Pictures and Good Universe are developing the comedy Good Boys written by Lee Eisenberg and Gene Stupnitsky, who will also be making their feature directorial debut.

Described as in the vein of Sausage Party and Superbad, Good Boys is an R-rated comedy about four 12-year-olds caught between childhood innocence and lewd teenage corruption, who embark on an epic quest from Tarzana to the Sherman Oaks Galleria to replace a broken drone before their parents get home.

Point Grey's Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver will produce, while Good Universe’s Nathan Kahane and Joe Drake will executive produce. Josh...

Morris from America director boards aviation mystery.

Good Universe said on Wednesday that Chad Hartigan, who broke out at Sundance 2016 with Morris From America, will direct its sci-fi romance Departure.

Billy Ray wrote the screenplay about a man in 1973 who investigates the case of a passenger jet that vanished in thin air only to reappear in the same spot several minutes later.

As he continues to probe mysterious occurrences, things get personal for the investigator when the love of his life is on board one of the planes affected.

Departure is inspired by Martin Caidin’s book Ghosts Of The Air that documents aviation phenomena.

Jim Whitaker, who is producing Ava DuVernay’s upcoming Disney release A Wrinkle in Time, serves as producer with Ray. Good Universe’s Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane are executive produces alongside John Middleton and Roy Lee.

Brady Fujikawa will oversee the project for Good Universe and Adam Borba for Whitaker Entertainment...

Untitled Techno Thriller to be first project released under Bad Hombre.

Bad Hombre, the company formed by Good Universe and Fede Alvarez last February, has announced its first project, Untitled Techno Thriller.

Bad Hombre, producer of films in the horror, thriller and sci-fi genres, is not revealing plot details on the thriller to be written by Simon Barrett and directed by Jason Eisener.

Alvarez (pictured above) and Rodo Sayagues of Bad Hombre will produce. Nathan Kahane, Joe Drake and Erin Westerman of Good Universe will serve as executive producers alongside Jay Basu.

Barrett wrote the horror films You’re Next and A Horrible Way To Die. His most recent releases include the thriller The Guest and horror sequel Blair Witch.

Eisener’s credits include Hobo With A Shotgun, The ABC’s Of Death, V/H/S/2 and the short film Treevenge.

Basu, who is also a writer, is currently working with Alvarez on Sony’s The Girl...

Company created by Good Universe, Fede Alvarez announce Untitled Techno Thriller.

Bad Hombre, the company formed by Good Universe and Fede Alvarez last February, has announced its first project, Untitled Techno Thriller.

Bad Hombre, producer of films in the horror, thriller and sci-fi genres, is not revealing plot details on the thriller to be written by Simon Barrett and directed by Jason Eisener.

Alvarez (pictured above) and Rodo Sayagues of Bad Hombre will produce. Nathan Kahane, Joe Drake and Erin Westerman of Good Universe will serve as executive producers alongside Jay Basu.

Barrett wrote the horror films You’re Next and A Horrible Way To Die. His most recent releases include the thriller The Guest and horror sequel Blair Witch.

Eisener’s credits include Hobo With A Shotgun, The ABC’s Of Death, V/H/S/2 and the short film Treevenge.

Basu, who is also a writer, is currently working with Alvarez on Sony’s The Girl...

Jason Eisener has been set to direct an untitled techno thriller penned by Simon Barrett that will mark the first project from Bad Hombre, the label set up by Fede Alvarez and Good Universe to produce pics in the horror, thriller and sci-fi genres. Bad Hombre’s Alvarez and Rodo Sayagues will produce, and Good Universe’s Nathan Kahane, Joe Drake and Erin Westerman will executive produce alongside Jay Basu. Basu and Alvarez are writing the Lisbeth Salander pic The Girl in th…...

Bad Hombre, the genre production banner from Good Universe and Fede Alvarez, has announced its first project, an untitled techno thriller written by Simon Barrett.

Jason Eisener will direct the film; its logline is currently being kept under wraps.

Fede Alvarez and Rodo Sayagues of Bad Hombre will produce. Nathan Kahane, Joe Drake and Erin Westerman of Good Universe will executive produce alongside Jay Basu.

Barrett is known for writing horror hits You're Next and A Horrible Way to Die. His most recent releases include thriller The Guest and horror sequel Blair Witch. He is repped by Stuart Manashil and...

True to its name, The Grudge is a cult horror franchise that refuses to relent.

Not since the release of 2009’s lacklustre The Grudge 3 have we welcomed a new entry into the supernatural series, but that’s all about to change very soon. According to Deadline, The Eyes of My Mother filmmaker Nicolas Pesce has climbed aboard to write and direct The Grudge for Ghost House Pictures, which will be based on a spec script from Midnight Meat Train writer, Jeff Buhler. Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert, and Taka Ichise are all on board to produce the horror reboot, working in tandem with executive producers Roy Lee, Doug Davison, Joe Drake and Nathan Kahane.

Little is currently known about the plot, but it’s safe to assume that Ghost House Pictures’ reimagining of The Grudge will chronicle the titular entity as it moves from one grief-stricken victim to another, leaving...