Moviefone Editorial

Tag: mgm

  • Amazon Plans ‘Tomb Raider’ Universe

    Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in 2018's 'Tomb Raider.'
    Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in 2018’s ‘Tomb Raider.’

    Having seen success––at least in terms of buzz––with the likes of ‘The Rings of Power’ and ‘The Boys’, Amazon is breaking open its (admittedly huge) piggy bank for a new potential franchise.

    According to The Hollywood Reporter, the company has struck a deal with Dmitri M. Johnson’s dj2 Entertainment for the rights to the ‘Tomb Raider’ game series.

    Launched in 1996 on Sony’s PlayStation console, the ‘Tomb Raider’ series has gone on to be a huge selling title across various platforms, earning more than $95 million by last year and spawning a massive amount of merchandising.

    The series gives the player control of fictional British archaeologist Lara Croft, who travels around the world searching for lost artifacts and infiltrating dangerous tombs and ruins.

    Lara Croft from the 'Tomb Raider' video game.
    Lara Croft from the ‘Tomb Raider’ video game.

    It has been adapted a few times for movies––2001’s ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ and 2003’s ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life’, both of which starred Angelina Jolie as the title character, and 2018’s ‘Tomb Raider’, which rebooted the series, with Roar Uthaug in the director’s chair and Alicia Vikander as Croft.

    That most recent title came from MGM and Warner Bros., but there has been talk of a sequel, with first ‘Meg 2: The Trench’s Ben Wheatley and then ‘Lovecraft Country’s Misha Green attached to make it, development stalled.

    Amazon, of course, bought MGM last year, but the rights to the ‘Tomb Raider’ games had already lapsed from the studio because of the lack of forward movement on the new movie.

    With the rights in Amazon’s grip, the plans have now shifted to building out an interconnected Lara Croft universe boasting a new game release and what will probably be another movie reboot.

    Phoebe Waller-Bridge on BBC Studios' 'Fleabag.'
    Phoebe Waller-Bridge on BBC Studios’ ‘Fleabag.’

    Perhaps most intriguingly, the new universe also features a potential Prime Video TV series from ‘Fleabag’ creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who recently renewed her deal with Amazon. While we might not have expected Waller-Bridge to be all in on a ‘Tomb Raider’ title, she’s apparently a fan of the games. and has had experience with action on the likes of ‘Killing Eve’ and recent Bond outing ‘No Time to Die’ (for which she provided script polishes).

    No details have yet emerged on what Waller-Bridge’s show might look like (she doesn’t plan to appear, just write and produce) or how it might connect to any potential movie (or movies, you know Amazon will want to get their money’s worth). But it’s certainly interesting to ponder the idea of a Lara Croft with the writer’s trademark snappy dialogue.

    Yet Amazon is not the only company with an interest in Croft––this will no doubt be disheartening for Netflix, which already has a ‘Tomb Raider’ anime series in the works following a two-series order. Or perhaps it’ll drive up interest in all things Lara?

    Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in 2018's 'Tomb Raider.'
    Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in 2018’s ‘Tomb Raider.’
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  • ‘Tomb Raider’ Movie Rights up for Grabs

    Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in 2018's 'Tomb Raider.'
    Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in 2018’s ‘Tomb Raider.’

    Looks like Lara Croft will be off on another different adventure.

    According to a report in The Wrap, MGM has lost the rights to make future ‘Tomb Raider’ movies after failing to generate a sequel to 2018’s Alicia Vikander-starring film by a strict deadline.

    The company had had until May of this year to flash the greenlight on a new movie, but since that time has come and gone, a bidding war is now likely as other studios look to put in bids to nab the chance to bring the character to screens.

    Created by game company Core Design in 1996, the title allows players to control fictional British archaeologist Lara Croft, who travels around the world searching for lost artefacts and infiltrating dangerous tombs and ruins.

    ‘Tomb Raider’ (and, later, ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’) became a giant hit and pop cultural sensation, with multiple games across various platforms and any number of spin-offs. Square Enix currently controls the rights.

    Lara Croft from the 'Tomb Raider' video game.
    Lara Croft from the ‘Tomb Raider’ video game.

    The game was famously first brought to theaters via ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’ in 2001 and its 2003 sequel ‘Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life’, both of which starred Angelina Jolie as the titular adventurer.

    While they were both solidly successful, the movie franchise lingered in limbo for years until MGM partnered up with GK Films to nab the rights in 2013 and began to plot its own version.

    That came to fruition in 2018 with the more simply titled ‘Tomb Raider’ directed by Roar Uthaug and starring Vikander as Croft. The movie made $274.6 million worldwide, and while it wasn’t a giant hit, it was enough to spark sequel talk.

    Yet while the next movie cycled through a couple of directors (British filmmaker Ben Wheatley, who has created the likes of ‘Free Fire’ and ‘Kill List’ was attached for a while, before being replaced by ‘Lovecraft Country’s Misha Green), nothing moved forward at any real speed.

    The latest development is perhaps not too shocking, since Vikander herself admitted that a recent corporate move hadn’t helped matters. “With the MGM and Amazon buyout, I have no clue. Now it’s kind of politics,” Vikander told ‘Entertainment Weekly a few days ago. “I think Misha and I have been ready, so it’s kind of in somebody else’s hands, to be honest.”

    MGM didn’t comment at the time, but now we know why. And it looks like Vikander will also have to hand the character off to someone else, as she’s no longer attached to the movies.

    We could theoretically see Paramount looking to grab the rights back and return to the world of Croft since it produced the 2000s movies. But it’s highly unlikely that Jolie would want to squeeze back into the famous shorts and tank top. Time for another new Croft…

    Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in 2018's 'Tomb Raider.'
    Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft in 2018’s ‘Tomb Raider.’
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  • Amazon Greenlights Bond Reality Competition

    Daniel Craig as James Bond in 2012's 'Skyfall.'
    Daniel Craig as James Bond in 2012’s ‘Skyfall.’

    Mere weeks after Amazon officially closed its $8.5 billion acquisition of MGM, the company has announced its first Bond-related project: a reality TV competition series.

    Prime Video has flashed the greenlight for ‘007’s Road to a Million’, a series that will see competitors shaken and stirred as they’re dispatched on a challenging race and series of trivia questions in a quest for a cash prize. Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, the shepherds of the Bond franchise, are involved, and it’ll kick off shooting later this year.

    Yet while the announcement has led to a ripple of panic online that this is the future of the Bond movie series and a clear indication that Amazon’s purchase of MGM means a wave of junk Bond spin-off opportunities, this show has been in the works for years, long before the MGM deal closed, and something that has the backing of Broccoli and Wilson.

    “I first had this idea over three years ago. Dan Grabiner and the U.K. Originals team took it to a whole other level, says 72 Film boss David Glover, whose company will be producing the show for Amazon, MGM, and EON, tells Variety. “To be working with Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli and the Bond franchise is a privilege and a dream come true.”

    Sean Connery as James Bond
    Sean Connery as James Bond in 1964’s ‘Goldfinger’

    Sounding a lot like a Bond-branded version of CBS series ‘The Amazing Race’, the show will see contestants competing in a global adventure to win a £1 million ($1.3 million) cash prize. Filmed in many of the historic locations featured throughout the seminal Bond films, this will be a test of intelligence and endurance. In addition to passing physical obstacles, the contestants — who will compete in two-person teams — must correctly answer questions hidden in different locations around the world to advance to the next challenge.

    It seems unlikely to dip too far into Bond’s history – the famously sexist spy has been modernized in recent years, so while it’ll see competitors heading to locations, we doubt challenges will include unzipping a dress with a magnetic watch or shooting as many nameless henchmen as possible. And though they could end up mixing martinis, they probably won’t have to match the spy’s alcohol consumption levels.

    The show comes at a point of transition for big-screen Bond: Daniel Craig’s tenure as 007 is over following ‘No Time to Die’, which has earned more than $774 million at the worldwide box office. Broccoli and Wilson are now tasked with finding a fresh face to take on the role and keep the film series evolving to meet the demands of a changing cultural and cinematic world.

    This competition won’t end up with the winner claiming the role of Bond, but if you want to apply for the show – UK residents and those who can prove a direct connection to the country only, we’re afraid – you can head to this link.

    And if you get in? Do pay attention, 007.

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  • Amazon Buys MGM

    Amazon MGM
    Amazon has completed a deal to merge with movie/TV studio MGM.

    In one of the biggest movements in the corporate world since Disney began acquiring other companies, Amazon has completed a deal to merge with movie/TV studio MGM.

    The $8.5 billion deal – just think, you too could have bought MGM if you had that down the back of the sofa – means that Amazon now has access to more than 4,000 film titles and 17,000 TV episodes, which will be a helpful boost for its Prime Video streaming service.

    Though while Amazon is now in charge of future MGM movie releases, it is reportedly “excited” by the company’s upcoming slate (which includes George Clooney’s ‘The Boys in the Boat’, Zach Braff’s Florence Pugh/Morgan Freeman drama ‘A Good Person’ and sci-fi movie ‘Landscape with Invisible Hand’ and doesn’t foresee any changes to that schedule.

    This new wrinkle also doesn’t mean that all MGM films will automatically become exclusive to Prime Video, and the studio will continue to support future theatrical releases via Amazon Studios. It also means that the MGM brand will stay in the movie and TV world, albeit as an Amazon company.

    Perhaps the biggest part of the acquisition is that Amazon now owns the rights to the storied James Bond franchise, though control over what is made under that title is still held – for now – by longtime Bond shepherds Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who run Eon productions. They have final say on casting, production, marketing and more to do with the British spy, who has been played by several actors – most recently Daniel Craig – in his long run.

    Daniel Craig with gun
    Daniel Craig as James Bond in ‘Skyfall.’

    “For better or worse, we are the custodians of this character,” Broccoli, who oversees the franchise with her half-brother Michael G. Wilson. “We take that responsibility seriously.”

    The Eon team has always resisted spinning off the character into TV shows and other media, though you just know Amazon would love to have a Bond universe the way that Disney has put a load of extra Star Wars and Marvel content into the world.

    “MGM has been responsible for the creation of some of the most well-known and critically acclaimed films and television series of the past century,” says Amazon’s Mike Hopkins. “We look forward to continuing that tradition as we head into this next chapter, coming together with the great team at Prime Video and Amazon Studios to provide audiences with the very best in entertainment for years to come.”

    The Amazon/MGM deal had been big enough that the Federal Trade Commission had been rumored to sue and block it, but obviously it decided to let it go through.

    It’s just the latest mega-deal for big entertainment companies – Warner Bros. parent WarnerMedia will join forces with Discovery once that merger is signed and sealed, likely next month. Following that, we firmly expect Disney to buy everyone else.

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  • Boy George Movie Is in the Works

    Boy George Movie Is in the Works

    NBC

    Boy George is the latest music icon to get a movie about his life.

    On the heels of biopics about Freddie Mercury (“Bohemian Rhapsody”) and Elton John (“Rocketman”), MGM is developing a film about singer Boy George.

    Sacha Gervasi (“My Dinner with Herve,” “Hitchcock”) is attached to direct.

    The untitled project will track the singer, born George Alan O’Dowd, from his humble beginnings in a working-class Irish family through his rise to the top of the international pop charts in the 1980s as part of the band the Culture Club.

    The Grammy winner has sold more than 100 million singles and over 50 million albums with Culture Club and as a solo artist. His hits include “Karma Chameleon,” “Do You Really Want To Hurt Me,” “ and “Time (Clock of the Heart).”

    In addition to the Boy George biopic, MGM is also developing an Aretha Franklin film starring Jennifer Hudson.

  • Russo Brothers to Oversee MGM Remakes, Including ‘Thomas Crown Affair’

    Russo Brothers to Oversee MGM Remakes, Including ‘Thomas Crown Affair’

    Marvel

    Now that it’s “Endgame,” the Russo brothers are figuring out their post-Marvel lives.

    Directors Joe and Anthony Russo, who have directed four MCU films (including the upcoming “Avengers: Endgame”), have signed a deal that will make them “spiritual creative architects” of iconic properties in the MGM library, according to Deadline.

    Their production company, AGBO, will embark on “a multi-film non-exclusive creative partnership to co-develop, co-produce and co-finance a slate of projects.”

    The first film to fall under the partnership will be a reimagining of “The Thomas Crown Affair” starring Michael B. Jordan, which has been in development for several years.

    The Russos could end up directing that remake, as they both love the 1968 original starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway.

    AGBO will also develop James Madigan’s live action/animation take on “The Rats Of Nimh,” based on the award-winning books by author Robert C. O’Brien, as well as the original film “Hacienda.”

    Currently, AGBO has several projects in the pipeline, including the mystery thriller “21 Bridges” with Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, and Taylor Kitsch.

    After “Avengers: Endgame,” the Russos’ next directing gig will be the opioid drama “Cherry” with Tom Holland.

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  • A View-Master Movie Is in the Works From MGM and Mattel

    A View-Master Movie Is in the Works From MGM and Mattel

    Mattel

    The toys are taking over the big screen.

    The latest classic toy getting its own movie is the View-Master, the stereoscopic eye device. Mattel is teaming up with MGM to develop the project. No writer or director is attached yet.

    Mattel Films, which was launched last year, has been busy making deals with Hollywood studios. It is also working on a Hot Wheels movie and a Barbie flick starring Margot Robbie.

    And earlier this month, Mattel and MGM announced they are partnering on an American Girl movie.

    View-Master was launched at 1939 New York World’s Fair, bringing 3D images of tourist attractions to the masses. It exploded in popularity in the 1950s thanks to a licensing deal with Disney. The toy came under the control of Mattel in 1997.

    Recently, Mattel introduced the updated View-Master VR, a virtual reality product that features what the toymaker calls “a whole new level of realism.”

  • ‘Fighting With My Family Trailer’ Teases the Unique Story of WWE Star Paige

    ‘Fighting With My Family Trailer’ Teases the Unique Story of WWE Star Paige

    Fighting with My Family trailer still
    MGM/YouTube

    You don’t have to be a wrestling fan to enjoy the “Fighting with My Family” trailer.

    MGM released the preview on Wednesday, Nov. 14, and it teases the upcoming comedy inspired by the life of WWE star Saraya “Paige” Bevis (Florence Pugh). As the trailer shows, Paige comes from a family of wrestlers, and both she and her brother (Jack Lowden) had dreams of breaking into the WWE. When only she makes it in, their relationship gets rocky.

    Not only are the family dynamics important in the film, but so is Paige’s path to success. The trailer shows her trying to adjust — with a little help from none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who plays himself. Watch below.

    “Fighting with My Family” is written and directed by Stephen Merchant. It also stars Lena Headey and Nick Frost as Paige’s parents, as well as Vince Vaughn.

    Look for the film in theaters in February.

  • Seth Rogen Is Producing an ‘American Gladiators’ Revival

    Seth Rogen Is Producing an ‘American Gladiators’ Revival

    Universal

    Break out your best star-spangled unitard: “American Gladiators” is set for a comeback.

    Deadline reports that none other than Seth Rogen is spearheading the latest revival of the popular sports competition series, which pits regular folks against famous athletes in physical feats of strength. The original show was a hit in syndication, running from 1989 through 1996; it was later rebooted in 2008, featuring hosts Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali.

    According to Deadline, MGM Television is teaming with Rogen and his longtime collaborator Evan Goldberg to produce the reboot, along with original “American Gladiators” producer John Ferraro. As for why Rogen was interested in tackling the quirky project, he explained his straightforward thought process in a tweet on Tuesday.

    “When you love something, you just want more of it,” the comedian said.

    Sounds good enough to us.

    There’s no word yet on where the show might land, or how many episodes it’s eyeing for its return, though Deadline notes that MGM is “currently talking to distributors who are interested.” It should be noted that reality TV heavyweight Mark Burnett is the chairman of MGM TV, so the odds of this series making it to air seem pretty safe.

    We’ll start practicing using our jousting sticks now.

    [via: Deadline]

  • Sylvester Stallone Kicks Off ‘Creed II’ Production With Video From Set

    Start up the “Rocky” theme music, because “Creed II” has officially entered production.

    The upcoming sequel to the 2015 “Rocky” spinoff is due out in theaters this fall, and Sylvester Stallone is getting us all ready. As one of the film’s star, producers, and co-writers, he has reason to be excited. He posted a video from the set on Instagram Monday and highlighted that it “seems like yesterday” that they were working on the last film, even if it’s an “old cliché” to say.

    “It’s a very exciting moment to be here getting ready to Watch [sic] Creed 2 to commence filming,” he wrote in part. “A very exciting day !!!”

    The veteran action star added that the cast and production team have been patiently waiting to move forward with the sequel, and now he wants fans to “get ready to watch the fists startFLYING [sic]!”

    Stallone reprises his role as Rocky Balboa in the film, a character he first portrayed 42 years ago, as he mentions in his video from the set. Back then, their setup wasn’t quite as comfortable as it is now. “Progress is being made,” he points out, which is true both in terms of their trailers and the work on “Creed II” itself.

    None of the other cast members appear in Stallone’s video, but he’ll be joined in the film by Michael B. Jordan, who plays Donnie, the son of Rocky’s former rival, the late Apollo Creed. Meanwhile, “Rocky IV” star Dolph Lundgren comes back as Ivan Drago, forcing Rocky and Donnie to deal with the past. Additionally “Creed” stars Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Wood Harris, and Andre Ward are also returning. Let the fists start flying.

    “Creed II” is slated to hit theaters Nov. 21.

    [h/t: Slash Films]