Neo, portrayed by Keanu Reeves in The Matrix, employs a range of martial arts techniques in all four films, even though his most famous quote is “I know kung fu”. The Wachowskis’ action film series were renowned for their brilliant martial arts action, which was unusual in American cinema at the time, in addition to their surreal storylines and thought-provoking ideas.
However, keen-eyed fans may have noticed that Neo prefers punching over kicking in his battles with the agents. Have you ever wondered why, though? Well, Reeves had back surgery shortly before filming on The Matrix began in order to treat a spinal injury that was paralyzing his legs.
Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix films
As a result, the actor found kicking difficult, so he decided to focus on punching in Neo’s fight scenes.
The Matrix: Why Does Keanu Reeves’ Neo Punch More Than He Kicks?...
However, keen-eyed fans may have noticed that Neo prefers punching over kicking in his battles with the agents. Have you ever wondered why, though? Well, Reeves had back surgery shortly before filming on The Matrix began in order to treat a spinal injury that was paralyzing his legs.
Keanu Reeves as Neo in The Matrix films
As a result, the actor found kicking difficult, so he decided to focus on punching in Neo’s fight scenes.
The Matrix: Why Does Keanu Reeves’ Neo Punch More Than He Kicks?...
- 4/1/2024
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire
The Matrix cast and crew revolutionized movies 25 years ago with a mesmerizing story and cutting-edge technology. Directed by the Wachowskis, The Matrix became a surprise hit in 1999 and launched a franchise that extended to movies, comics, and video games.
Keanu Reeves gave a career-defining performance as Neo, paving the way for his status as a bonafide action star and fan-favorite actor. His supporting cast in The Matrix included Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, and Hugo Weaving. Together, they delivered a movie that influenced a generation of filmmaking and holds up 25 years later. The Matrix may have been a surprise then, but now it’s no wonder the cast remains active in movies and TV.
Keanu Reeves Keanu Reeves | Brenda ChaseOnline USA, Inc (L); Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images (R)
Before being cast in The Matrix, Keanu Reeves was best known for the Bill and Ted comedies and action movies like Point Break and Speed.
Keanu Reeves gave a career-defining performance as Neo, paving the way for his status as a bonafide action star and fan-favorite actor. His supporting cast in The Matrix included Carrie-Anne Moss, Laurence Fishburne, and Hugo Weaving. Together, they delivered a movie that influenced a generation of filmmaking and holds up 25 years later. The Matrix may have been a surprise then, but now it’s no wonder the cast remains active in movies and TV.
Keanu Reeves Keanu Reeves | Brenda ChaseOnline USA, Inc (L); Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images (R)
Before being cast in The Matrix, Keanu Reeves was best known for the Bill and Ted comedies and action movies like Point Break and Speed.
- 3/29/2024
- by Matt Moore
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Exclusive: Action megastar Keanu Reeves has partnered with Academy Award winner Fisher Stevens to co-produce a documentary on the life story of Benny “The Jet” Urquidez, the iconic athlete who introduced mixed martial arts to the world.
Titled The Jet, the film is currently in production under the direction of Emmy-nominated sports documentary editor turned filmmaker Jennifer Tiexiera. Its financiers are Chris Quintos Cathcart and Tyler Boehm of the newly formed Unapologetic Projects, a company dedicated to working with underrepresented creators. Maura Anderson and Zak Kilberg of Stevens’ recently launched production company Highly Flammable will also serve as producers along with John Scalise and his Faya Project. Nancy Weisler, Brian Maya and Chris Quintos Cathcart & Tyler Boehm of Unapologetic serve as executive producers on the project slated for release in 2025.
Nicknamed for his explosive spinning back kick, Sensei Benny “The Jet” Urquidez had a profound impact on martial arts in mainstream culture,...
Titled The Jet, the film is currently in production under the direction of Emmy-nominated sports documentary editor turned filmmaker Jennifer Tiexiera. Its financiers are Chris Quintos Cathcart and Tyler Boehm of the newly formed Unapologetic Projects, a company dedicated to working with underrepresented creators. Maura Anderson and Zak Kilberg of Stevens’ recently launched production company Highly Flammable will also serve as producers along with John Scalise and his Faya Project. Nancy Weisler, Brian Maya and Chris Quintos Cathcart & Tyler Boehm of Unapologetic serve as executive producers on the project slated for release in 2025.
Nicknamed for his explosive spinning back kick, Sensei Benny “The Jet” Urquidez had a profound impact on martial arts in mainstream culture,...
- 3/28/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Deadline’s Read the Screenplay series spotlighting the year’s most talked-about scripts continues with action franchise smash John Wick: Chapter 4. The fourth installment in the Chad Stahelski-directed series was penned by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch (based on characters created by Derek Kolstad) in their first turn with Baba Yaga — even if the titular revenge artist, played by Keanu Reeves, speaks only 380 words of dialogue.
From Lionsgate/Thunder Road Films/87 Eleven, John Wick: Chapter 4 sees the ex-hitman uncover a path to defeating crime lord council The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe, and forces that turn old friends into foes.
The film is the highest-grossing of the franchise at over $440 million in global box office, and in May pushed the four-title series across the $1 biillon mark worldwide. It is also the...
From Lionsgate/Thunder Road Films/87 Eleven, John Wick: Chapter 4 sees the ex-hitman uncover a path to defeating crime lord council The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe, and forces that turn old friends into foes.
The film is the highest-grossing of the franchise at over $440 million in global box office, and in May pushed the four-title series across the $1 biillon mark worldwide. It is also the...
- 12/8/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
German-born laywer acquired hundreds of film and TV projects as pre-buys from US producers.
International media consultant and producer Thomas Augsberger has passed away suddenly at his home in the Hollywood Hills. He was 60 years old.
The German-born lawyer was founder of Eden Rock Media, a film and television production company and media consulting business.
Augsberger advised a number of high-profile media clients over the years, most prominently Germany’s Leonine Studios. Before Leonine, Augsberger spent 23 years as an advisor to Dr. Herbert Kloiber’s Tele Muenchen Group as Tmg’s exclusive North American representative in the US.
Augsberger’s...
International media consultant and producer Thomas Augsberger has passed away suddenly at his home in the Hollywood Hills. He was 60 years old.
The German-born lawyer was founder of Eden Rock Media, a film and television production company and media consulting business.
Augsberger advised a number of high-profile media clients over the years, most prominently Germany’s Leonine Studios. Before Leonine, Augsberger spent 23 years as an advisor to Dr. Herbert Kloiber’s Tele Muenchen Group as Tmg’s exclusive North American representative in the US.
Augsberger’s...
- 11/29/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Thomas Augsberger, the producer, international film consultant, former Lionsgate board member and founder of Eden Rock Media, has died. He was 60.
Augsberger died suddenly on Monday, November 27, at his home in the Hollywood Hills, members of his family told The Hollywood Reporter.
The German-born and trained attorney was best known as the longtime consultant and North American representative for Herbert Kloiber‘s German mini-major Tele Muenchen Group (Tmg). After Leonine acquired Tmg in 2019, Augsberger continued to advise the company on film projects and acquisitions.
Over more than two decades, Augsberger acquired hundreds of film and TV projects for the German market from producers, sales agents and studios, making him one of the most important figures on the independent scene. He helped secure prebuys of Marvel’s Iron Man, Summit Entertainment’s Twilight and Lionsgate’s John Wick and Hunger Games franchises, including the recent prequel The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,...
Augsberger died suddenly on Monday, November 27, at his home in the Hollywood Hills, members of his family told The Hollywood Reporter.
The German-born and trained attorney was best known as the longtime consultant and North American representative for Herbert Kloiber‘s German mini-major Tele Muenchen Group (Tmg). After Leonine acquired Tmg in 2019, Augsberger continued to advise the company on film projects and acquisitions.
Over more than two decades, Augsberger acquired hundreds of film and TV projects for the German market from producers, sales agents and studios, making him one of the most important figures on the independent scene. He helped secure prebuys of Marvel’s Iron Man, Summit Entertainment’s Twilight and Lionsgate’s John Wick and Hunger Games franchises, including the recent prequel The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
International media consultant and producer Thomas Augsberger died suddenly on Tuesday at his home in the Hollywood Hills, his publicist informed Variety. He was 60.
The German-born and trained attorney was founder of film and television production company and media consulting business Eden Rock Media. Augsberger’s high profile media clients included Germany’s Leonine Studios. Prior to Leonine, Augsberger served for more than two decades as an advisor to the Tele Muenchen Group (Tmg) as their exclusive North American representative in the U.S. During this time he oversaw Tmg investments in the U.S., including a preferred equity investment in Lionsgate Entertainment in 1999 and the acquisition of the Mutual Film Library in 2006.
Over his 26-year consulting career, Augsberger acquired hundreds of projects as pre-buys including Marvel’s Iron Man franchise, Voltage’s Oscar winner “The Hurt Locker,” Paramount’s “Shutter Island,” Summit’s Twilight franchise, Lionsgate’s John Wick franchise,...
The German-born and trained attorney was founder of film and television production company and media consulting business Eden Rock Media. Augsberger’s high profile media clients included Germany’s Leonine Studios. Prior to Leonine, Augsberger served for more than two decades as an advisor to the Tele Muenchen Group (Tmg) as their exclusive North American representative in the U.S. During this time he oversaw Tmg investments in the U.S., including a preferred equity investment in Lionsgate Entertainment in 1999 and the acquisition of the Mutual Film Library in 2006.
Over his 26-year consulting career, Augsberger acquired hundreds of projects as pre-buys including Marvel’s Iron Man franchise, Voltage’s Oscar winner “The Hurt Locker,” Paramount’s “Shutter Island,” Summit’s Twilight franchise, Lionsgate’s John Wick franchise,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Deadline has learned that Thomas Augsberger, Eden Rock Media founder, producer and international media consultant died suddenly today at his Hollywood Hills home. He was 60 years old.
The German-born and trained attorney advised a number of high-profile media clients over the years, most prominently Germany’s Leonine Studios. Prior to Leonine, Augsberger served 23 years as an advisor to Dr. Herbert Kloiber‘s Tele Muenchen Group as Tmg’s exclusive North American representative in the US.
In 2002, he founded Eden Rock Media, a film and television production company and media consulting business.
Augsberger was widely respected for his deep experience in the production and acquisition of feature films, television series, and content libraries; investments in US distributors and production companies; the co-financing, co-production, and distribution of film, television, and digital projects; and the negotiation of German output deals with studios for theatrical, home entertainment, and television. Over the course of his 26-year consulting career,...
The German-born and trained attorney advised a number of high-profile media clients over the years, most prominently Germany’s Leonine Studios. Prior to Leonine, Augsberger served 23 years as an advisor to Dr. Herbert Kloiber‘s Tele Muenchen Group as Tmg’s exclusive North American representative in the US.
In 2002, he founded Eden Rock Media, a film and television production company and media consulting business.
Augsberger was widely respected for his deep experience in the production and acquisition of feature films, television series, and content libraries; investments in US distributors and production companies; the co-financing, co-production, and distribution of film, television, and digital projects; and the negotiation of German output deals with studios for theatrical, home entertainment, and television. Over the course of his 26-year consulting career,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Following her Best Original Screenplay win for Promising Young Woman, Saltburn, Emerald Fennell’s sophomore feature, presents a gothic tale of obsession and excess, starring Barry Keoghan as Oliver, a social-climbing Oxford student obsessed with the aristocratic Felix (Jacob Elordi). The multi-hyphenate Fennell also pops up as the pregnant Midge doll in Barbie and is co-penning the upcoming John Wick spinoff Ballerina. Here, she agrees to revisit some best memories, or, as she puts it, “rummage around those skeletons.”
Best Advice I Ever Received
After the incredible surprise and joy of winning an Academy Award two years ago, I was lining up for the Porta-Potty because it was Covid times and things were like a wedding. Frances McDormand was queuing behind me, and I was holding the Oscar, completely shell-shocked. She saw me and she leaned in said, “Do you want to know my advice?” And I said, “Yes, please.
Best Advice I Ever Received
After the incredible surprise and joy of winning an Academy Award two years ago, I was lining up for the Porta-Potty because it was Covid times and things were like a wedding. Frances McDormand was queuing behind me, and I was holding the Oscar, completely shell-shocked. She saw me and she leaned in said, “Do you want to know my advice?” And I said, “Yes, please.
- 11/26/2023
- by Stevie Wong
- Deadline Film + TV
The sequel to 2018’s Believer has left fans more than dissatisfied. It’s already an established fact that the only good thing about the film is Han Hyo-Joo’s performance, which has taken over social media for her badassery alone. The film attempts to fill the gaps like plastering over the Mona Lisa, making a terrible sequel to a well-received film. What made Believer a big hit was the impressive cast, the action-packed story that kept you on the edge of your seats, as well as the impactful ending. Believer 2 begins before that open ending, leading up to the moments there, and then completely ruins it. We suppose you can’t trust anything with Believer in the title right now. If you’re looking for some fantastic Korean thrillers to make yourself feel better after seeing this blunder, here’s the perfect list for you.
Ballerina
Let’s start...
Ballerina
Let’s start...
- 11/21/2023
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
Bookmark this page for the latest updates in the territory.
Screen is listing the 2024 release dates for films in the UK and Ireland in the calendar below.
For distributors who wish to add/amend a date on the calendar, please get in touch with Screen here. Screen is also running a calendar for festival and market dates throughout 2024 here.
January
January 5
Priscilla (Mubi), One Life (Warner Bros), Scala! (BFI), Night Swim (Universal), Blank (Sparky)
January 6
Nabucco - Met Opera 23/24 (Trafalgar)
January 12
Poor Things (Disney), The Boys In The Boat (Warner Bros), Freaks Vs The Reich (Miracle/Dazzler), The Beekeeper (Studiocanal...
Screen is listing the 2024 release dates for films in the UK and Ireland in the calendar below.
For distributors who wish to add/amend a date on the calendar, please get in touch with Screen here. Screen is also running a calendar for festival and market dates throughout 2024 here.
January
January 5
Priscilla (Mubi), One Life (Warner Bros), Scala! (BFI), Night Swim (Universal), Blank (Sparky)
January 6
Nabucco - Met Opera 23/24 (Trafalgar)
January 12
Poor Things (Disney), The Boys In The Boat (Warner Bros), Freaks Vs The Reich (Miracle/Dazzler), The Beekeeper (Studiocanal...
- 11/21/2023
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
It’s interesting how much we like a negative female character who is wholly violent and has not an inch of empathy but is bogged down by something like daddy issues or raging Ptsd. Maybe this is today’s manic-pixie dream girl. The signs are all there; she’s not like the other girls; no, really, never mind doing her nails; she probably doesn’t even shower every day; and she’s always hungry… for blood. Specifically, in the K-world, there’s a special attachment that fans have to intense female characters with superpower-level physical strength and the ability to fight for themselves, whether they are positive or negative. This is, presumably, a direct reaction to having female leads who are docile, caring, fragile, and in need of protection. They’re independent, career-driven women, but they’re still desperate for love and need their Prince Charming. No, there are female...
- 11/19/2023
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
Spoiler Alert: This post contains details from the plot of John Wick: Chapter 4.
At the end of John Wick: Chapter 4, director-producer Chad Stahelski and producer Erica Lee appeared to be putting the franchise to rest, as John Wick (Keanu Reeves) took a bullet to the gut in a duel, seemingly succumbing to his injuries. That being said, is there any way the hero of this franchise could be resurrected, as has been done with action heroes of films like Netflix’s Extraction?
“You never know,” Stahelski teased Saturday at Deadline’s Contenders Film: Los Angeles event. “Keanu’s hard to kill.”
“Never say never,” added Lee, in a conversation moderated by Justin Kroll, also featuring supervising sound editor Mark Stoeckinger.
Related: Deadline Contenders Film Los Angeles Arrivals and Panels Gallery: Cillian Murphy, Taraji P. Henson, Annette Bening, Bradley Cooper and More
In all seriousness, though, Stahelski said, the pair are...
At the end of John Wick: Chapter 4, director-producer Chad Stahelski and producer Erica Lee appeared to be putting the franchise to rest, as John Wick (Keanu Reeves) took a bullet to the gut in a duel, seemingly succumbing to his injuries. That being said, is there any way the hero of this franchise could be resurrected, as has been done with action heroes of films like Netflix’s Extraction?
“You never know,” Stahelski teased Saturday at Deadline’s Contenders Film: Los Angeles event. “Keanu’s hard to kill.”
“Never say never,” added Lee, in a conversation moderated by Justin Kroll, also featuring supervising sound editor Mark Stoeckinger.
Related: Deadline Contenders Film Los Angeles Arrivals and Panels Gallery: Cillian Murphy, Taraji P. Henson, Annette Bening, Bradley Cooper and More
In all seriousness, though, Stahelski said, the pair are...
- 11/19/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
As it is, Believer was not a fantastic movie; in fact, it’s a grain of sand on the shore that is the Korean action film industry. It’s not unusual to have great expectations from a country that has given us action-packed spectacles like Oldboy, I Saw the Devil, or most recently, Ballerina, and it’s equally fair to be disappointed. Personally, Believer wasn’t anything special on its own, and in an attempt to make a twisted film, the story got lost within itself, making for a convoluted film with an open ending. Now, we get Believer 2, a (very unnecessary) sequel to a rather mediocre movie. At least the first part had a decently cohesive story, though. Believer 2 follows Detective Won-Ho (again) as he continues his search for Asia’s (supposed) biggest drug-ring mastermind, Mr. Lee, along with looking for Rak, the inside man who got away.
- 11/18/2023
- by Ruchika Bhat
- Film Fugitives
John Wick: Chapter 4 became the entry that solidified the franchise as a big moneymaker. And although the ending had left the future open for possible sequels, Keanu Reeves has not been secretive about how much harder it is to keep up with the action and begged for a definite ending for the character. However, despite several spin-offs being released, the studio now smells the money and wants to immediately develop a direct follow-up to Chapter 4 with Reeves in tow. People keep asking if he’s back, and he hasn’t really had an answer, but yeah, the studio is thinking he’s back.
ScreenRant has reported that Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake has stated at a recent earnings call, courtesy of ComicBook.com, that the studio is now including a Chapter 5 in the development of future franchise content. Drake has said, “On the Wick side we got multiple spin-offs and a Wick Five.
ScreenRant has reported that Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake has stated at a recent earnings call, courtesy of ComicBook.com, that the studio is now including a Chapter 5 in the development of future franchise content. Drake has said, “On the Wick side we got multiple spin-offs and a Wick Five.
- 11/13/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
When Chad Stahelski stopped by to chat with The Playlist for an upcoming episode of The Discourse with Mike D’Angelo, it wasn’t entirely about his “John Wick” franchise. But the action series did take up a giant chunk of the conversation, considering it’s Stahelski’s brainchild and what’s put him on the Hollywood map to make his “Highlander” remake and more. But does the future hold for the franchise after Peacock‘s “The Continental” and the upcoming spinoff “Ballerina,” specifically “John Wick 5,” which was originally announced in tandem with “John Wick: Chapter 4“?
Continue reading Chad Stahelski Says He Was Surprised When Lionsgate Announced ’John Wick 4’ & ‘5’ Back To Back at The Playlist.
Continue reading Chad Stahelski Says He Was Surprised When Lionsgate Announced ’John Wick 4’ & ‘5’ Back To Back at The Playlist.
- 11/10/2023
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Just when the entertainment world felt like it couldn't possibly sustain even just a single shared universe on top of what we already have, yet another contender is about to enter the ring. The "John Wick" franchise's first attempt at expanding its influence to the small screen with "The Continental," uh, didn't go very well, to put it mildly. But as the old adage goes, if at first you don't succeed at strip-mining IP for every cent it's worth, try, try again.
The good news is that, this time around, director Chad Stahelski will be much more involved with at least two new upcoming "John Wick" shows. We've known about the Ana de Armas-starring "Ballerina" spinoff film, but this is the first we've heard about both an anime spin-off and a separate live-action series that will dive even deeper into the mythical world-building from the movies. In an appearance...
The good news is that, this time around, director Chad Stahelski will be much more involved with at least two new upcoming "John Wick" shows. We've known about the Ana de Armas-starring "Ballerina" spinoff film, but this is the first we've heard about both an anime spin-off and a separate live-action series that will dive even deeper into the mythical world-building from the movies. In an appearance...
- 11/9/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Exclusive: Range Media Partners has signed filmmaker Len Wiseman.
He will next debut his highly anticipated film Ballerina, which is set to bow on June 7, 2024. The film is an action spinoff of the lucrative John Wick franchise and follows a young assassin, played by Oscar nominee Ana de Armas, who seeks revenge against the people who killed her family. The film also stars Keanu Reeves reprising his role as John Wick after a box office success with John Wick: Chapter 4, along with Norman Reedus and Lance Reddick.
Best known for his Underworld film series, which was released as five films starting with Underworld which bowed in 2003. The film starred Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman and Michael Sheen and led to four sequels starting with Underworld: Evolution, which he also directed. He would go on to produce future sequels Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, Underworld: Awakening and Underworld: Blood Wars through his Sketch Films banner.
He will next debut his highly anticipated film Ballerina, which is set to bow on June 7, 2024. The film is an action spinoff of the lucrative John Wick franchise and follows a young assassin, played by Oscar nominee Ana de Armas, who seeks revenge against the people who killed her family. The film also stars Keanu Reeves reprising his role as John Wick after a box office success with John Wick: Chapter 4, along with Norman Reedus and Lance Reddick.
Best known for his Underworld film series, which was released as five films starting with Underworld which bowed in 2003. The film starred Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman and Michael Sheen and led to four sequels starting with Underworld: Evolution, which he also directed. He would go on to produce future sequels Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, Underworld: Awakening and Underworld: Blood Wars through his Sketch Films banner.
- 11/9/2023
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Helen Lee-Kim has re-upped her contract as president, international, for Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. Lee-Kim has generated nearly $1 billion in sales since re-joining the studio in December of 2017. She will continue to head the international licensing of Lionsgate’s slate of first-run movies while shepherding the company’s multi-platform and global direct-to-streaming business.
Her most recent successes include “John Wick: Chapter 4,” which earned $253 million out of $440 million overseas, a 62% international uptick from “John Wick: Chapter 3.” While “Saw X,” which earned by far the best reviews of the ongoing horror franchise, is near $100 million global on a $13 million budget as it continues its overseas rollout.
She also closed deals with international partners on key Lionsgate properties including “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” The buzzy prequel to Lionsgate’s flagship tentpole IP, based on a novel from Suzanne Collins, will open theatrically on November 17. This summer...
Her most recent successes include “John Wick: Chapter 4,” which earned $253 million out of $440 million overseas, a 62% international uptick from “John Wick: Chapter 3.” While “Saw X,” which earned by far the best reviews of the ongoing horror franchise, is near $100 million global on a $13 million budget as it continues its overseas rollout.
She also closed deals with international partners on key Lionsgate properties including “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes.” The buzzy prequel to Lionsgate’s flagship tentpole IP, based on a novel from Suzanne Collins, will open theatrically on November 17. This summer...
- 11/2/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Lionsgate Motion Picture Group executive Helen Lee-Kim has inked a new long-term deal as President, International.
The news comes before Lionsgate takes over the world this holiday season with the highly anticipated prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes on Nov. 17, which was cleared for a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement; one of the few Hollywood tentpoles this fall season permitted to have its cast promote.
“Helen is a superstar whose success in growing the John Wick and Saw franchises worldwide is just the latest example of her ability to grow the studio’s stature as a top supplier of premium first-run films,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake. “She is a trusted partner, a great leader and an extraordinary sales executive who will continue to play a key role in moving the Company forward.”
Lee-Kim has been key in Lionsgate yielding $1 billion in sales...
The news comes before Lionsgate takes over the world this holiday season with the highly anticipated prequel, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes on Nov. 17, which was cleared for a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement; one of the few Hollywood tentpoles this fall season permitted to have its cast promote.
“Helen is a superstar whose success in growing the John Wick and Saw franchises worldwide is just the latest example of her ability to grow the studio’s stature as a top supplier of premium first-run films,” said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake. “She is a trusted partner, a great leader and an extraordinary sales executive who will continue to play a key role in moving the Company forward.”
Lee-Kim has been key in Lionsgate yielding $1 billion in sales...
- 11/2/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Also getting new deals are team members Michael Meyer and Brent Jack.
Helen Lee-Kim has signed a new long-term deal as president of international at Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
Lionsgate said Lee-Kim, a member of the Motion Picture Group leadership and content strategy teams, has generated nearly $1bn in sales since re-joining Lionsgate in December 2017 (she did a previous stint as president of international from 2007 to 2012). Under her new deal she will continue to head the international licensing of the company’s film slate and shepherd the company’s multi-platform and global direct-to-to-streaming business.
Also getting new long-term agreements at...
Helen Lee-Kim has signed a new long-term deal as president of international at Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
Lionsgate said Lee-Kim, a member of the Motion Picture Group leadership and content strategy teams, has generated nearly $1bn in sales since re-joining Lionsgate in December 2017 (she did a previous stint as president of international from 2007 to 2012). Under her new deal she will continue to head the international licensing of the company’s film slate and shepherd the company’s multi-platform and global direct-to-to-streaming business.
Also getting new long-term agreements at...
- 11/2/2023
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
Lionsgate has inked a new long-term contract extension for Helen Lee-Kim as president, international in the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group.
Since rejoining the Hollywood studio in late 2017 as a longtime lieutenant to Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Joe Drake, Lee-Kim has generated nearly $1 billion in sales and will continue to head the international licensing of Lionsgate’s first-run movies and handle sales to expanding multi-platform and global direct-to-streaming business.
“Helen is a superstar whose success in growing the John Wick and Saw franchises worldwide is just the latest example of her ability to grow the studio’s stature as a top supplier of premium first-run films,” Drake said in a statement on Thursday.
Lee-Kim and her team saw John Wick: Chapter Four generate a franchise-best $440 million at the global box office, including nearly $253 million at the international box office. She also closed deals with international buyers for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes...
Since rejoining the Hollywood studio in late 2017 as a longtime lieutenant to Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Joe Drake, Lee-Kim has generated nearly $1 billion in sales and will continue to head the international licensing of Lionsgate’s first-run movies and handle sales to expanding multi-platform and global direct-to-streaming business.
“Helen is a superstar whose success in growing the John Wick and Saw franchises worldwide is just the latest example of her ability to grow the studio’s stature as a top supplier of premium first-run films,” Drake said in a statement on Thursday.
Lee-Kim and her team saw John Wick: Chapter Four generate a franchise-best $440 million at the global box office, including nearly $253 million at the international box office. She also closed deals with international buyers for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes...
- 11/2/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paul McCartney and Gaumont have assembled an all-star creative crew for “High in the Clouds,” the long-awaited feature adaptation of McCartney’s children’s adventure novel.
Boasting six original songs by McCartney, the family adventure movie, which is budgeted at €28 million, will be directed by Toby Genkel (“The Amazing Maurice”), scored by Michael Giacchino and penned by Jon Croker (“Paddington 2”), with Patrick Hanenberger tapped as production designer. McCartney will voice one of the main characters. Two other major music stars are in advanced talks to come on board.
Production will begin during the first quarter of 2024 and delivery is expected for the first quarter of 2026. Gaumont is producing with McCartney via his banner Mpl Communications.
The English-language feature follows the journey of a headstrong teenage squirrel, Wirral, who lives in Gretschville, a city where music has been banned by a diva-owl, Gretsch, who wants to be the only singer in town.
Boasting six original songs by McCartney, the family adventure movie, which is budgeted at €28 million, will be directed by Toby Genkel (“The Amazing Maurice”), scored by Michael Giacchino and penned by Jon Croker (“Paddington 2”), with Patrick Hanenberger tapped as production designer. McCartney will voice one of the main characters. Two other major music stars are in advanced talks to come on board.
Production will begin during the first quarter of 2024 and delivery is expected for the first quarter of 2026. Gaumont is producing with McCartney via his banner Mpl Communications.
The English-language feature follows the journey of a headstrong teenage squirrel, Wirral, who lives in Gretschville, a city where music has been banned by a diva-owl, Gretsch, who wants to be the only singer in town.
- 10/26/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
You are reading an exclusive WrapPRO article for free. Want to level up your entertainment career? Click here to subscribe.
“Beckham” has officially been defeated — the Netflix miniseries, not the soccer star. “The Fall of the House of Usher” moved from second place to first on Netflix’s Top 10 English-language TV list Tuesday.
This shift comes a week ahead of Halloween, fitting for the spooky miniseries based on the work of Edgar Allan Poe. The series from Mike Flanagan and Trevor Macy secured 7.9 million views in its second week. With those numbers, it beat out last week’s reigning champion “Beckham,” which secured 6.9 million views.
Also on the English-language Top 10 list were the U.K. limited series “Bodies” in the No. 3 spot with 5.5 million views, the fantasy series “I Woke Up a Vampire” in the No. 4 spot with 3.4 million views and Season 4 of the comedy “Sex Education” in the No.
“Beckham” has officially been defeated — the Netflix miniseries, not the soccer star. “The Fall of the House of Usher” moved from second place to first on Netflix’s Top 10 English-language TV list Tuesday.
This shift comes a week ahead of Halloween, fitting for the spooky miniseries based on the work of Edgar Allan Poe. The series from Mike Flanagan and Trevor Macy secured 7.9 million views in its second week. With those numbers, it beat out last week’s reigning champion “Beckham,” which secured 6.9 million views.
Also on the English-language Top 10 list were the U.K. limited series “Bodies” in the No. 3 spot with 5.5 million views, the fantasy series “I Woke Up a Vampire” in the No. 4 spot with 3.4 million views and Season 4 of the comedy “Sex Education” in the No.
- 10/24/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
The late Lance Reddick and Annie Wersching were not forgotten in the Season 2 premiere of Freevee’s Bosch: Legacy. The show paid tribute to the two original series alums in the Bosch spinoff’s Season 2 opening with a title card dedication that read “In Loving Memory of Our Friends Annie Wersching and Lance Reddick.” Both died earlier this year.
Wersching portrayed Officer Julia Brasher as a series regular in Season 1 of Bosch and continued as a recurring guest star in seasons 2 and 7. She died of cancer in January at the age of 45. Also known for her work on 24 and Timeless, Wersching continued to shoot even after her 2020 cancer diagnosis, with prominent roles in Star Trek: Picard as the Borg queen in Season 2, and The Rookie. She also voiced Tess in the popular The Last of Us video game, which was adapted into a TV series by HBO.
Reddick played Police...
Wersching portrayed Officer Julia Brasher as a series regular in Season 1 of Bosch and continued as a recurring guest star in seasons 2 and 7. She died of cancer in January at the age of 45. Also known for her work on 24 and Timeless, Wersching continued to shoot even after her 2020 cancer diagnosis, with prominent roles in Star Trek: Picard as the Borg queen in Season 2, and The Rookie. She also voiced Tess in the popular The Last of Us video game, which was adapted into a TV series by HBO.
Reddick played Police...
- 10/20/2023
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
You are reading an exclusive WrapPRO article for free. Want to level up your entertainment career? Click here to subscribe.
David Beckham docuseries “Beckham” held onto the top spot on Netflix’s most-watched TV shows list, beating the debut viewership for Mike Flanagan’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” by over 5 million viewers.
As the sports series maintained its lead on the English TV list for the second week in a row as it logged an additional 11.6 million views this week, the horror drama miniseries took the No. 2 spot on the list as it tallied 6 million views since its Oct. 12 release.
Next up was the fourth and final season of “Sex Education,” which took the No. 3 spot on the list with 4 million views, while docuseries “Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul” came fourth on the list with 3.1 million views and “Love Is Blind” Season 5 took the No.
David Beckham docuseries “Beckham” held onto the top spot on Netflix’s most-watched TV shows list, beating the debut viewership for Mike Flanagan’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” by over 5 million viewers.
As the sports series maintained its lead on the English TV list for the second week in a row as it logged an additional 11.6 million views this week, the horror drama miniseries took the No. 2 spot on the list as it tallied 6 million views since its Oct. 12 release.
Next up was the fourth and final season of “Sex Education,” which took the No. 3 spot on the list with 4 million views, while docuseries “Big Vape: The Rise and Fall of Juul” came fourth on the list with 3.1 million views and “Love Is Blind” Season 5 took the No.
- 10/17/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
Pain Hustlers and new seasons of Big Mouth and Elite are among the high-profile new projects debuting on Netflix in October.
Directed by David Yates, Pain Hustlers is a crime drama set in the world of pharmaceuticals. The film, which boasts a starry cast that includes Emily Blunt, Chris Evans and Andy García, debuts on Oct. 27.
On Oct. 20, Netflix launches the seventh season of Big Mouth. The penultimate season of the animated comedy heads to high school but the awkward moments and growing pains for Andrew Glouberman (John Mulaney) and Nick Birch (Nick Kroll) continue.
Also on Oct. 20, the seventh season of global hit Elite hits Netflix. There’s more trouble in store for the students of Las Encinas with Omar Shanaa (Omar Ayuso) back, Ivan (André Lamoglia) mending a broken heart and Isadora (Valentina Zenere) dealing with her criminal family.
Earlier this month, the streamer launched Beckham, a docuseries...
Directed by David Yates, Pain Hustlers is a crime drama set in the world of pharmaceuticals. The film, which boasts a starry cast that includes Emily Blunt, Chris Evans and Andy García, debuts on Oct. 27.
On Oct. 20, Netflix launches the seventh season of Big Mouth. The penultimate season of the animated comedy heads to high school but the awkward moments and growing pains for Andrew Glouberman (John Mulaney) and Nick Birch (Nick Kroll) continue.
Also on Oct. 20, the seventh season of global hit Elite hits Netflix. There’s more trouble in store for the students of Las Encinas with Omar Shanaa (Omar Ayuso) back, Ivan (André Lamoglia) mending a broken heart and Isadora (Valentina Zenere) dealing with her criminal family.
Earlier this month, the streamer launched Beckham, a docuseries...
- 10/16/2023
- by Hilary Lewis and Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
"Ballerina" is a new live-action 'revenge thriller' feature, directed by Lee Chung-hyun, starring Jeon Jong-seo, Kim Ji-hoon and Park Yu-rim, now streaming on Netflix:
"...'Jang Ok-ju' is a former bodyguard who sets out to hunt down a trafficking ring headed by 'Choi Pro' in order to avenge the death of her friend 'Choi Min-hee'..."
Click the images to enlarge...
"...'Jang Ok-ju' is a former bodyguard who sets out to hunt down a trafficking ring headed by 'Choi Pro' in order to avenge the death of her friend 'Choi Min-hee'..."
Click the images to enlarge...
- 10/14/2023
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
"Where is that bastard?" Netflix has released this Korean action film streaming already. Ballerina is the latest film made by Korean filmmaker Chung-Hyun Lee. It premiered at the Busan Film Fest and launched for streaming on October 6th this fall. "Cold-hearted and cruel, the hell of merciless revenge begins now, for my one and only." Grieving the loss of a best friend she couldn't protect, an ex-bodyguard sets out to fulfill her dear friend's last wish: sweet revenge. Jang Ok-ju is a former bodyguard who sets out to hunt down a sex trafficking ring headed by Choi Pro. Starring Jeon Jong-seo as Jang Ok-ju, with Kim Ji-hoon, Park Yu-rim, Shin Se-hwi, plus Kim Mu-yeol, Jang Yoon-ju, Kim Young-ok, and Joo Hyun. This reminds me of Kill Boksoon, another female-driven action film quietly dropped on Netflix earlier this year. Also not to be confused with the John Wick spin-off starring Ana de Armas...
- 10/11/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
“The Equalizer 3” (Sony) debuted on PVOD at $19.99 with #1 placement at both iTunes and Vudu. It’s #5 at Google Play, which seems to be lagging worse than usual; its titles haven’t changed in four days, which likely affects some rankings.
Meantime, “Fair Play,” the relationship thriller that premiered to acclaim at Sundance last January, is an immediate #1 at Netflix. The streamer paid $20 million for worldwide rights, a bargain against the production costs for other Netflix Originals.
The Denzel Washington franchise, currently #8 in theaters with $86 million domestic gross, added PVOD after 32 days. “The Nun II” (Warner Bros.), currently #7 at the box office with $81 million, arrived a week sooner at 25 days at $19.99. It is #2 at Vudu (which lists by revenue) and lags elsewhere: It’s #5 at iTunes and #10 at Google Play.
“The Nun II”Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures
Also new this week, #8 at Vudu, is “After Everything”, the fifth in the...
Meantime, “Fair Play,” the relationship thriller that premiered to acclaim at Sundance last January, is an immediate #1 at Netflix. The streamer paid $20 million for worldwide rights, a bargain against the production costs for other Netflix Originals.
The Denzel Washington franchise, currently #8 in theaters with $86 million domestic gross, added PVOD after 32 days. “The Nun II” (Warner Bros.), currently #7 at the box office with $81 million, arrived a week sooner at 25 days at $19.99. It is #2 at Vudu (which lists by revenue) and lags elsewhere: It’s #5 at iTunes and #10 at Google Play.
“The Nun II”Courtesy Warner Bros. Pictures
Also new this week, #8 at Vudu, is “After Everything”, the fifth in the...
- 10/10/2023
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
“Beckham” is leading Netflix’s Top 10 English language TV list after a clip from the docuseries went viral over the weekend.
The aforementioned clip shows David Beckham questioning his wife, Victoria Beckham, over her claims she grew up working class. Not only has the clip made a sizable impression on social media, but it seems as though the show it’s from has been popular as well. The docuseries topped Netflix’s English language list with 12.4 million views during its first week.
The four-episode limited series was then followed by Season 4 of “Sex Education,” which accounted for 6.6 million views, and Season 5 of “Love Is Blind,” which brought in 3.7 million views. “One Piece” also appeared on the list for its sixth week in a row, nabbing the fourth spot as well as 2.5 million views.
That was then followed by Season 1 of the UFO docuseries “Encounters” (2 million views), Season 5 of “Virgin River...
The aforementioned clip shows David Beckham questioning his wife, Victoria Beckham, over her claims she grew up working class. Not only has the clip made a sizable impression on social media, but it seems as though the show it’s from has been popular as well. The docuseries topped Netflix’s English language list with 12.4 million views during its first week.
The four-episode limited series was then followed by Season 4 of “Sex Education,” which accounted for 6.6 million views, and Season 5 of “Love Is Blind,” which brought in 3.7 million views. “One Piece” also appeared on the list for its sixth week in a row, nabbing the fourth spot as well as 2.5 million views.
That was then followed by Season 1 of the UFO docuseries “Encounters” (2 million views), Season 5 of “Virgin River...
- 10/10/2023
- by Kayla Cobb
- The Wrap
The Continental: From the World of John Wick has wrapped up its three-episode run, but a number of questions were left unanswered, which has fans wondering whether season 2 might be in the works. I haven’t had a chance to watch the series for myself yet, so to be safe, I’ll just say watch out for Spoilers.
Related The Continental producers didn’t know if John Wick spinoff would work without Keanu Reeves
While speaking with GamesRadar, The Continental director and executive producer Albert Hughes said that while he “hasn’t heard anything” about a potential season 2, he has been “daydreaming” about the next stage of the story. “I would like to see if [Winston] becomes what he hated,” Hughes explained. “Absolute power corrupts absolutely. The red bird landing on the ledge with Cormac in episode 1, to then appearing in the penthouse with Winston during the finale, that’s...
Related The Continental producers didn’t know if John Wick spinoff would work without Keanu Reeves
While speaking with GamesRadar, The Continental director and executive producer Albert Hughes said that while he “hasn’t heard anything” about a potential season 2, he has been “daydreaming” about the next stage of the story. “I would like to see if [Winston] becomes what he hated,” Hughes explained. “Absolute power corrupts absolutely. The red bird landing on the ledge with Cormac in episode 1, to then appearing in the penthouse with Winston during the finale, that’s...
- 10/9/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Ballerina is a South Korean action thriller film directed by Lee Chung-hyun, starring Jun Jong-seo, Kim Ji-hun, and Park Yu-rim.
“Ballerina” is a stylish revenge thriller with a changing pace and a solid performance by Jun Jong-seo, who leads the cast in this film of villains and heroes with a satisfying final sequence.
While this well-executed film achieves its goals, it fails to truly shine among similar revenge thrillers. However, it does entertain and boasts strong direction, particularly in terms of aesthetics.
The film demonstrates the wisdom of restraint.
Plot
Ok Ju has a violent past that she has forgotten until one night when she discovers her friend, who has committed suicide. Everything leads her to a man who abuses girls, records them, and threatens to release the videos.
But she only has revenge on her mind.
Ballerina About “Ballerina” Ballerina
If it were the first of its kind, it...
“Ballerina” is a stylish revenge thriller with a changing pace and a solid performance by Jun Jong-seo, who leads the cast in this film of villains and heroes with a satisfying final sequence.
While this well-executed film achieves its goals, it fails to truly shine among similar revenge thrillers. However, it does entertain and boasts strong direction, particularly in terms of aesthetics.
The film demonstrates the wisdom of restraint.
Plot
Ok Ju has a violent past that she has forgotten until one night when she discovers her friend, who has committed suicide. Everything leads her to a man who abuses girls, records them, and threatens to release the videos.
But she only has revenge on her mind.
Ballerina About “Ballerina” Ballerina
If it were the first of its kind, it...
- 10/6/2023
- by Alice Lange
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Ahead of its March 24 debut, a record-breaking runtime for Keanu Reeves' John Wick 4 has been revealed.
The Lionsgate gun-fu franchise has quickly become one of the most beloved (and bankable) action movie names in modern history, being partly responsible for a revitalization of Keanu Reeves' acting career.
Now with Chapter 4 on the way, along with a pair of spin-offs in the Ana de Armas-led Ballerina and the Continental streaming series, the world of Reeves' stoic hitman is bigger than ever.
Read full article on The Direct.
The Lionsgate gun-fu franchise has quickly become one of the most beloved (and bankable) action movie names in modern history, being partly responsible for a revitalization of Keanu Reeves' acting career.
Now with Chapter 4 on the way, along with a pair of spin-offs in the Ana de Armas-led Ballerina and the Continental streaming series, the world of Reeves' stoic hitman is bigger than ever.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 2/13/2023
- by Klein Felt
- The Direct
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.