Legendary signs multi-year deal with Sony Pictures after cutting ties with Warner Bros
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Legendary has a new relationship blooming after breaking up with one production house it has been long associated with. The production company which was behind 'Dune' and 'Godzilla vs Kong', has cut associations with Warner Bros and joined a multi-year worldwide film distribution partnership with Sony Pictures. Under the new agreement, Sony will market and distribute Legendary’s upcoming theatrical motion picture titles. Nevertheless, the existing movies at Legendary are excused from this new deal, as Warner Bros Pictures is still backing 'Dune: Part Two'. The sequel to 2021’s sci-fi adaptation 'Dune' is currently in production and slated for release on November 3, 2023.
'Dune: Part Two' official synopsis reads, "Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet) unites with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee."
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At this time, no word has been given on the Monsterverse, but Legendary Entertainment has signaled its involvement with the IP's next movie. Regardless, in a press release, Sony Pictures and Legendary emphasized that the companies are aligned in their “ongoing commitment to theatrical distribution as a driver for other ‘downstream’ windows and the theatrical window’s long-term value for films.”
According to Legendary, "It's a rare opportunity to partner in this mutually beneficial way with true pros, who are completely aligned in our theatrical commitment and vision for this business," Josh Greenstein and Sanford Panitch, the presidents of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, shared. "The creative brilliance and power of Legendary are huge and we look forward to bringing their work to theaters across the world."
Before patching up in 2018, Legendary had another big split with Warner Bros in 2014, when the production company signed a five-year deal with Universal. Not so subtle after all.
“As we continue to grow our content offerings, we are excited to forge this relationship with Tony, Tom, Sanford, Josh, and the rest of the exceptional Sony team,” Legendary CEO Joshua Grode said. “Sony’s commitment to theatrical distribution aligns with our vision of how to best derive the most value for Legendary’s movies. The incredible slate of movies that Mary Parent has amassed is built for the theatrical experience and we are excited about our partnership with Sony for this next phase of Legendary’s growth.”
“Legendary is, well, legendary and we are excited and fortunate to add Josh and Mary’s strong slate to our ongoing commitment to big movies on the big screen,” said Tom Rothman, chairman, and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group. Grode continued, “We are also grateful to Warner Bros. Pictures who has been a valuable partner to Legendary over many years, and we look forward to continuing our work with the talented executives at Warner/Discovery.”