Lionsgate has made a deal with Millennium Films to acquire the rights to develop and produce all derivative works, including future film and television productions, of the blockbuster The Expendables franchise, as well as worldwide distribution rights to John Rambo, the upcoming sixth installment of the iconic Rambo film series.
Deadline first reported that Noah Centineo would star in John Rambo and that Lionsgate was the front-runner to the land the package and sources now say that deal has closed.
The wide-ranging agreement also makes Lionsgate lead studio and production partner with Millennium on all future Rambo television projects moving forward and includes the opportunity for the studio to participate in future Rambo films. In addition, Lionsgate now holds the rights to develop derivative works based on The Expendables, including derivative films and television series, video games, immersive experiences and other cross-platform extensions of the action juggernaut which has grossed nearly $700 million at the global box office.
The deal builds on the studio’s long-standing leadership in the global action space and its deep history with both properties. Lionsgate already distributes all existing The Expendables films in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. In addition, the studio distributes Rambo (IV) and Rambo: Last Blood (V)in the U.S. and Canada, and holds U.K. distribution rights to Last Blood. Lionsgate also distributes First Blood (Rambo I), Rambo: First Blood Part II and Rambo III across Latin America and Southeast Asia.
The John Rambo film will introduce a new chapter in the storied franchise, with Centineo in final negotiations to take the title role and Sisu filmmaker Jalmari Helander set to direct. Production is slated to begin next year in Thailand and Lionsgate will launch sales for the film at the upcoming AFM.
John Rambo will be produced by Millennium Media and Templeton Media, from a screenplay by Rory Haines and Sohrab Noshirvani (The Mauritanian, Black Adam). Kevin King Templeton, Les Weldon and Yunger will produce. Dallas Sonnier and Amanda Presmyk of Bonfire Legend executive produce.
The deal was negotiated by Goldsmith, EVP & Co-Head, Acquisitions & Co-Productions Charlotte Koh and SVP of Business & Legal Affairs Christopher Davis on behalf of Lionsgate and by CEO Trevor Short and Yunger for Millennium Media.
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