Acquisitions and Release

MISSING: Shinzo Katayama’s New Dramatic Thriller Scores Winter 2022 U.S. Rollout Via Dark Star

Following its acquisition by Dark Star Pictures last month, Siblings Of The Cape helmer Shinzô Katayama’s newest dramatic thriller, Missing, is now headed for a theatrical U.S. release in select cities followed by an On-Demand rollout this November. The film, marking Katayama’s commercial debut as of January, just recently screened for Fantastic Fest after its near-yearlong festival circulation, featuring headliners Jiro Sato and Hiroya Shimizu and young star Aoi Ito. Depressed and in debt following the death of his wife, Santoshi (Jiro Sato) tells his young daughter he has found a way out. Pointing to a reward note, he vows to find the infamous serial killer “No Name” (Hiroya Shimizu) and cash in, claiming to have seen the man in the flesh a few days earlier. Kaeda (Aoi Ito) cannot take her aloof father serious. But when he goes missing without a trace, she starts to fear the worst—and must […]

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THE EXPENDABLES 4 Gets A Fall 2023 Release Date

Lee B. Golden III

Act Of Valor and Need For Speed helmer Scott Waugh’s The Expendables 4 will release in theaters on September 22, 2023, according to the trades on Thursday evening. The film sees a mix of new and returning cast members, including Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, and Randy Couture, along with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Megan Fox, Tony Jaa, Iko Iwais, Jacob Scipio, Levy Tran, and Andy Garcia. The news comes following a sizzle reel that played for attendees at CinemaCon earlier this year. Exact plot details remain pending with a script by Spenser Cohen and Max Adams. Kevin King-Templeton, Les Weldon, and Yariv Lerner produced the pic. Read more at Deadline.

BAD CITY: Well Go USA Acquires ‘Hydra’ Director’s Latest Crime Thriller For Q4 2022 Release

Lee B. Golden III

It may have seemed pretty likely at some point that anything stunt multi-hyphenate and filmmaker Kensuke Sonomura did would immediately be welcome by North American distributor Well Go USA, given the reception for his 2019 feature debut, Hydra. Fast forward to this week’s launch of the 17th installment of Fantastic Fest, where attendees can finally catch what Sonomura had been up to last year with the production of his sophomore debut, Bad City. Neuchâtel premiered the pic earlier this summer while slowly rolling out its promotional campaign, and now, with a trio of screenings at Fantastic set from this Saturday through the 28th, trade news on Friday is making it official with Well Go USA’s acquisition of the Yakuza crime thriller as a Hi-YAH! Original release, followed by theatrical and wider VOD releases later this year. I can assure you there’s plenty to dive into this year at Fantastic Fest, […]

SHIN ULTRAMAN: Sales Banner The Exchange Acquires Shinji Higuchi’s Hit Tokusatsu Revival

Lee B. Golden III

2022 has been a crucial year for moviegoers outside of the Far East and looking forward to catching Shinji Higuchi’s recent blockbuster hit Shin Ultraman, following its Japan release back in May. As of Monday, pat yourselves on the back for keeping up with the latest on the film’s movement with word via Leo Barraclough’s Variety exclusive that The Exchange has acquired sales rights for multiple territories on the pic and will sell to buyers this month at the 47th Toronto International Film Festival. Among the areas are North America, Europe, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand, to name a few. Produced by Tsuburaya Productions, Toho and Khara, Shin Ultraman is the latest anniversarial revamp of the iconic Tsuburaya IP, 55 years since its creation now with Higuchi partnering once again with Hideaki Anno, who also penned the pic and served as one of the producers; The two previously collaborated […]

A MAN OF REASON: Jung Woo-Sung’s South Korean Thriller Debut Acquire For N.A. Release In 2023 From Epic Releasing

Lee B. Golden III

Actor Jung Woo-sung’s feature directing debut, A Man Of Reason, has been acquired by Epic Pictures Group ahead of its world premiere as part of the Special Presentation section of the 47th Toronto International Film Festival this month. The film will have an early 2023 release in North America via the company’s Epic Releasing label. In A Man Of Reason, Jung plays Soo-hyeok, an ex-con looking to restore himself to a normal life after a decade in prison, especially after learning he’s the father of a young girl. His efforts to cut ties with his gangland past are unsuccessful, worsened by his former boss, who then begins questioning Soo-hyeok’s loyalty and using his newly discovered daughter as leverage. Backed into a corner with nothing to lose, Soo-hyeok must resort to violence to save her and get his revenge. Also starring are Kim Nam-gil (Lovers Vanished) and Park Sung-woong (For The […]

Well Go USA Snatches PROJECT WOLF HUNTING For October Release

Lee B. Golden III

Deadline‘s Andreas Wiseman is reporting that Well Go USA has acquired writer/director Kim Hong-sun’s new action horror thriller, Project Wolf Hunting. The announcement comes just over a day before the official kick-off of the 47th Toronto International Film Festival, with the film set for select screenings beginning this Friday, and continuing through next week. The film opens in South Korea on September 21, with Well Go USA launching the film stateside beginning October 7. Early reviews are now in for the film which you can look up, but if you’re pregaming for TIFF instead, here’s festival programmer Peter Kuplowsky’s summary to warm you up: Bloody bedlam breaks out on the high seas in writer-director Kim Hongsun’s gnarly action-thriller that pits cops versus cons aboard a cargo ship with a sinister secret in its hold. When efforts to extradite notorious convicts from the Philippines to South Korea are stymied by a […]

SALOUM: Jean Luc Herberlot’s Award-Winning Senegalese Thriller Arrives In Theaters And Streaming This September

Lee B. Golden III

AMC Networks’ premium horror and thriller streamer, Shudder, and IFC Midnight have acquired Saloum, the highly-anticipated and award-winning feature from writer/director Jean Luc Herbulot (Dealer). The film will release theatrically on Friday, September 2 ahead of streaming Thursday, September 8, with national rollout will on September 9. “Saloum is a bold combination of horror, revenge thriller and African folklore that’s worthy of every bit of praise it’s been receiving at festivals,” said Shudder General Manager, Craig Engler. “We’re proud to share this incredibly original and thrilling film from the distinctive voice of Jean Luc Herbulot with our members and theatergoers.” Said Herbulot, “I created the Hyenas as a personal gift for my own 7-year-old self who grew up without heroes and my 37-year-old self who was bored by modern African cinema, and today I hope they can be the heroes of many across the globe. It’s very important for us […]

SECTION 8: AMC Networks Acquires Christian Sesma’s New Action Thriller For Fall Theatrical And Streaming Release

Lee B. Golden III

The official first look photo is now out and running online for Paydirt and Take Back helmer Christian Sesma’s new action thriller, Section 8. The new asset arrives announcing the film’s acquisition by AMC Networks for a same-day theatrical release September 23 from RLJE Films, and exclusively on streaming platform, AMC+. Sesma directs from a script by Chad Law (Drive Hard), Josh Ridgway (Howlers), with a cast led by Ryan Kwanten (“True Blood”), Dolph Lundgren (The Expendables), Dermot Mulroney (“Hanna”), Scott Adkins (Legacy Of Lies, upcoming John Wick: Chapter 4) and Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler). The film centers on an ex-soldier who, after being handed a life sentence for avenging the murder of his wife and child, is given a shot at freedom when a shadow government agency recruits him for an off-the-books assignment, long before soon realizing it isn’t what it seems. “We’re excited to work with the film’s […]

POLARIS: Get A Look At The Raw, Brutal New Survival Actioner Screening At Fantasia This Summer

Lee B. Golden III

Following her multiple award-winning feature debut with 2017’s The Sun at Midnight, writer/director K.C. Carthew is back and ready to make a big splash this summer at Fantasia Festival as the campaign continues for her sophomore feature, Polaris. The dystopian sci-fi survival action thriller stars 13-year old South Korean-born Canadian actress Viva Lee (Syfy’s Deadly Class), who was only eleven at the time of filming, and now makes her own feature debut appearance in a leading capacity. Set in 2144 against the harsh backdrop of a frozen wasteland, Sumi, a human child raised by Mama Polar Bear, narrowly escapes capture from a brutal Morad hunting party and sets out across the vast winter landscape. When Sumi stumbles across Frozen Girl, an unlikely friendship is forged and together they race ahead of the vindictive hunters towards the only guiding light Sumi knows, the Polaris star. Polaris marks an expansion of a […]

KAMEN RIDER KUUGA: THE COMPLETE SERIES Coming to Blu-Ray

Edward Orndorff

Fans asked; Shout! Factory, as usual, delivered! Fan favorite and classic Heisei-era tokusatsu series Kamen Rider Kuuga will be making it’s way to blu-ray as a further celebration of the franchise’s 50th anniversary. Originally premiered in Japan in 2000, Kuuga began the Heisei-era with a new spin on the original Kamen Rider formula, and to this day remains a must watch for new fans of tokusatsu and veterans alike. After the success of the Kamen Rider Zero-One release by Shout!, many thought this would follow, and on September 20, Kuuga finally has it’s moment in the spotlight! When a group of archaeologists uncovers the tomb of a legendary warrior, they unearth Kuuga’s belt, accidentally releasing an ancient race of monsters called the Grongi, bent on destroying humanity. Enter Yusuke Godai, a modern-day guy-next-door, who learns he is telepathically linked to the mysterious stone belt. With its power, he transforms into the legendary warrior known as Kuuga, humanity’s only defense against […]

Well Go USA’s HANSAN: RISING DRAGON Emerges With An International Teaser For Its U.S. Release

Lee B. Golden III

If you needed more K-wave for your moviegoing experience this year beyond The Witch: Part 2. The Other One, you needn’t look further than Kim Han-min’s new high-seas epic, Hansan: Rising Dragon. One of several Korean titles to rollout this year from Well Go USA Entertainment, the Planos and Taiwan-based firm is granting the film a same-week release on July 29, with Lotte Cultureworks releasing at home a few days earlier. A prequel to THE ADMIRAL: ROARING CURRENTS—the most-watched film in Korean cinema history—HANSAN: RISING DRAGON depicts the historical Battle of Hansando. In 1592, admiral Yi Sun-sin and his fleet face off against the might of the invading Japanese navy and its formidable warships. As the Korean forces fall into crisis, the admiral resorts to using his secret weapon, the dragon head ships known as geobukseon, in order to change the tide of this epic battle at sea. Park Hae-il […]

Masaaki Yuasa Film INU-OH Rocks It’s Way Into Theatres

Edward Orndorff

From the director of Mind Game and The Night is Short, Walk On Girl, new film Inu-Oh is heading to western theatres, care of GKIDS Films! Featuring character creation by Taiyo Matsumoto (Tekkonkinkreet, Ping Pong the Animation), and vocal work by Avu-Chan (Queen Bee), Inu-Oh is a rock opera that takes place in the 14th-century. Director Yuasa has been described as “one of the most creatively unbridled minds in all of modern animation” by IndieWire, and he looks to make a statement on artistic freedom and the power of music with this film. Born to an esteemed family, Inu-oh is afflicted with an ancient curse that has left him on the margins of society. When he meets the blind musician Tomona, a young biwa priest haunted by his past, Inu-oh discovers a captivating ability to dance. The pair quickly become business partners and inseparable friends as crowds flock to their electric, larger-than-life concerts. But when those in power […]

FAIR GAME: Dark Star To Release Ozploitation Thriller In U.S. This July

Lee B. Golden III

Bloody Disgusting recently debuted the trailer for 80s Ozploitation thriller classic, Fair Game. We’ll definitely be checking this out while our own Vance P. Ang who resides in Australia has taken a personal interest in reviewing this one for the website, so check back with us in just over a few weeks for his thoughts. We also have stills to share which you can view below along with a poster just beneath the announcement text. Dark Star Pictures is set to release Ozploitation classic Fair Game on the big screen across North America! A bonafide Aussie classic, one that would later inspire Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof, Fair Game is a wild revenge triller set in the outback pitting Cassandra Delaney’s wildlife sanctuary boss against three psycho kangaroo hunters. Bored with killing kangaroos, they decide to kill the animals in the sanctuary, and when they see how attractive the owner is, […]

Well Go USA Acquires SATRIA DEWA: GATOTKACA For North America

Lee B. Golden III

Well Go USA has acquired Satria Dewa: Gatotkaca. The film is currently running in theaters in Indonesia, and hails from director Hanung Bramantyo. “We’re excited to be working with Satria Dewa Studios to bring Satria Dewa’s Gatotkaca to North American audiences!” said Well Go USA marketing and sales exec veep, Tony Vandeveerdonk, in a Twitter video statement via Satria Dewa Studios on Friday last week. The film is based on an Indonesian comic IP from creator Rene Ishak and was adapted for the screen by Rahabi Mandra as the first of a new superhero cineverse venture. The film stars Rizky Nazar in a story of a young man who learns he’s the heir apparant to extraordinary powers and part of a long line of warriors raged in a war between good and evil that could tear our world apart. The film also stars Yasmin Napper, Omar Daniel, Yatti Surachman, Zsazsa […]

[UPDATED]…And Just Like That, Well Go USA’s THE WITCH Sequel Gets A North American Trailer!

Lee B. Golden III

Hope you’re all caught up now because Well Go USA has officially released the official trailer for Park Hoon-jung’s The Witch: Part 2 – The Other One. The company has acquired theatrical and digital rights for the U.K., Australia and New Zealand, and for North America where the film will release in theaters and on digital beginning June 17. The long-awaited seuqel centers on another young escapee from a top-secret black site research facility similar to the one in the first film. The girl is soon rescued by a couple but are soon faced with the assassins now hunting her down. The film marks the screen debut for actress and newcomer Shin Si-ah who headlines the sequel from Park following his inaugural 2018 hit thriller starring Kim Da-mi who also reprises her role in the latest film. They are joined by Park Eun-bin, Seo Eun-soo, Jin Goo, Sung Yu-been and […]

Well Go USA’s Hi-YAH! Releases New Promo For PAID IN BLOOD, GOD OF WAR 3, BROKEN OATH And More

Lee B. Golden III

Well Go USA has acquired Yoon Young-bin’s 2021 crime thriller, Tomb Of The River, for release on its exclusive Asian genre streamer, Hi-YAH!. Newly titled, Paid In Blood, the movie stars Jang Hyuk (Empire Of Lust, upcoming The Killer) and Yu Oh-seong (Shoot Me In The Heart) and centers on a young gangster whose ambitions bring him face to face with a boss’s gangland enforcer. The acquisition, per a video announcement on Thursday, marks a reunion for the Planos, Texas-based firm for Jang following his recent success with Well Go USA’s thrilling period sword actioner, The Swordsman. Yu, whose credits also include Beat (1997), Champion (2002), Friend (2001) and Friend, The Great Legacy (2013), also appears in Well Go USA’s 2018 release of Kim Kwang-sik’s 7th century war pic, The Great Battle. Also included in Thursday’s announcement was Ye Luo’s God Of War: Battle Of The Three Kingdoms starring Mike […]

BANDIT: Crime Thriller Starring Josh Duhamel Sells Multiple Territories Out Of Cannes

Lee B. Golden III

Gridlocked helmer Allan Ungar’s newest crime thriller, Bandit, has locked multiple distribution deals out of Cannes. Highland Film Group is repping international sales for the film which stars Josh Duhamel, Mel Gibson, Elisha Cuthbert and Nestor Carbonell, and is in post-production. Inspired by the true story of ‘The Flying Bandit’ who successfully got away with 59 bank and jewelry heists, career criminal Robert Whiteman (Duhamel) escapes from a US prison and crosses the border into Canada where he assumes a new identity. After falling in love with Andrea (Cuthbert), he turns to robbing banks and discovers that he’s exceptionally good at it, flipping through different disguises at every heist across the country. Robert is addicted to the rush and money that fuels his double life, but turns to lifetime gangster Tommy (Gibson) for a bigger investment. Tommy convinces Robert there is more money in jewelry heists and drags him into […]

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News Briefs: French Superheroes Inbound; RENEGADES Sells; Kolstad’s ACOLYTE In The Works; Greengrass’s THE HOOD; Indian Boxing Drama IN THE RING

Lee B. Golden III

• Elevate Artist Management’s Paris-based talent agent Florent Lamy is announced a new studio effort to kickoff an ambitious Marvel-style operation to adapt long forgotten French comic book superheroes, including ’L’Archer Blanc’ (The White Archer), and Jean-Yves Mitton’s Mirkos saga and spin-offs therein, to name a few. The adaptations will be for televsion and film in French and English. (Screendaily) • Daniel Zirilli’s new Shogun Films revenge thriller, Renegades, has landed multiple territories through sales agent Bleiberg/Dimbort with Saban picking up for North America. The film stars Nick Moran, Lee Majors and Danny Trejo and “follows a band of former Special Forces comrades who seek to avenge the death of their Green Beret friend after he is murdered by a London drug gang that has been threatening his daughter.” Shogun’s Jonathan Sothcott has also announced a sequel with Zirilli also developing Crossfire. (Screendaily) • Rivulet Films has acquired Acolyte, a […]

Media Asia Targets 2023 For Hong Kong Actioner TWILIGHT OF THE WARRIORS: WALLED-IN, Picked Up By Well Go USA

Lee B. Golden III

Soi Cheang’s martial arts gangland manhua adaptation, Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled In, has scored a 2023 release from Media Asia with Well Go USA acquiring for distribution in North America. Louis Koo (The White Storm), Sammo Hung (S.P.L.) and Richie Jen (Trivisa) star in the pic which is set in the eighties inside the dangerous and enigmatic Kowloon Walled City, which was a de jure Chinese enclave within British colonial Hong Kong. Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In follows troubled youth Chan Lok-kwun as he accidentally enters the Walled City, discovers the order amidst its chaos, and learns important life lessons along the way. In the Walled City, he becomes close friends with Shin, Twelfth Master and AV. Under the leadership of Tornado, they resist against the invasion of villain Mr. Big in a series of fierce battles. Together, they vow to protect the safe haven that is Kowloon […]

Jang Hyuk Actioner THE KILLER Sets Korean And U.S. Releases In July, Lands More Territories

Lee B. Golden III

Choi Jae-hun’s latest action thriller, The Killer, is already running on high after screening for the Far East Film Festival this year, and closing multiple deals in Europe and throughout Asia in the last few months. With sales brand M-Line Distribution keeping the momentum going at the Marché du Film this month, we now have word from Screendaily‘s Jean Noh that the film will go to Wide Lens Pictures for a same-day release in accordance with its South Korean release through on July 6. Other acquisitions were taken by Trinity CineAsia for its UK release, as well as Middle East through Vox Cinemas, CIS through Vlg Film and Italy via Blue Swan Entertainment. Previous territories include (Klockworx), Hong Kong and Southeast Asia (Clover Films), Taiwan (Movie Cloud), and in German-speaking territories (Splendid), as well as the Netherlands and Switzerland. Dates for all remain pending. Pairing once more with his The […]