wwe studios
BH Tilt, WWE Studios Pick Up Bruce Lee Biopic, BIRTH OF THE DRAGON, For U.S. Theatrical Release
BH Tilt
Action star and actor Philip Ng’s latest, Undercover VS Undercover, is readying for market sales this year and with any luck we’ll see some footage that covers a few ends. In the meantime, fans can finally expect some more movement regarding his American debut in the lead role of director George Nolfi’s Bruce Lee biopic, Birth Of The Dragon, which premiered at TIFF last year.
Word via Deadline has it that WWE Studios and Blumhouse’s BH Tilt banner have acquired the film North American theatrical release. Adapted for the screen by Stephen J. Rivele and Christopher Wilkinson from a narrative inspired by Michael Dorgan’s 1980 Official Karate Article, “Bruce Lee’s Toughest Fight”, and action sequences stylized by Corey Yuen, Ng stars as the late film legend who, while in his heyday as an aspring teacher and film star, takes in Steve McKee – played by Billy Magnussen – as one of his students. Between Lee’s brewing tension with repentant Kung Fu master Wong Jack Man, played by actor Xia Yu, and McKee’s tale of forbidden romance with a young woman, the film reportedly merges both stories which will set up the big fight finale in a private match that still garners controversy to this day.
Much to the chagrin of some, the same could be said for the film which took the brunt of heavy criticism from vociferous fans and moviegoers, including none other than Bruce Lee Enterprises CEO Shannon Lee. A trailer has already since gone viral so fans can judge for themselves while the film finally has landed some distribution with a release date all but pending.
WWE's Dolph Ziggler To Debut Opposite Kane In 6:42 For Lionsgate
Wrestling stars are the staple for Lionsgate for some time now as it continues its partnership with WWE Studios. It’s a fascinating trend nowadays that nonetheless guarantees more action films for the niche and so clearly the formula works, especially for this week’s announcement of wrestling star Dolph Ziggler in his forthcoming film debut, 6:42, in which he plays an embattled cop in search of redemption as the pressure builds to save a young boy’s life from a ticking time bomb.
There isn’t much to go on right now as we wait for more info on just who is directing and adding to the cast for this one, but the official plotline below shares a few extra names for fans of WWE’s brand which could lend some appeal. At any rate though, a synopsis like this is very fitting for the genre its meant for and there’s no question that it will be awesome to see how Ziggler takes to task here.
Ray Fitzpatrick (WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler) is a tough as nails narcotics cop working the beat in Los Angeles. After a drug bust goes wrong, Ray is forced to shoot his own partner, leading to his suspension from the police force. Before you know it, Ray is dragged right back into the thick of it when a mysterious package arrives at the station addressed to him.
The package leads Ray and his colleagues to an encrypted website where an unidentified kidnapper broadcasts a threat to Ray and the entire police force. The kidnapper, it turns out, is holding a young boy hostage and unless the police department can come up with a $2 million ransom, he’ll set off a time-bomb strapped to the child’s chest.
The department, led by Lt. Cronin (WWE Superstar Kane) comes up with the payoff and Ray is tasked as the bagman. When the handover goes down, Ray is forced to shoot and kill the kidnapper before he can set off the bomb and kill the child.
With 6 hours and 42 minutes left before the timed explosive detonates, Ray and Internal Affairs agent Julia Baker (Katharine Isabelle from “See No Evil 2”) race against time to find the now deceased kidnapper’s hidden lair and save the child before it’s too late.
Check back for more information to come!
H/T: WWE
Randy Orton Will Star In THE CONDEMNED 2!
If you didn’t care much for a perfect action movie back in 2007 with Scott Wiper’s The Condemned, chances are you might have liked it more than most. It starred then-lead actor and wrestler “Stone Cold” Steve Austin opposite a ferocious performance by actor Vinnie Jones and proved be a well-worthy, violently entertaining popcorn fun for action fans, with brutal action sequences by stunt coordinated by the one and only Richard Norton.
The film was also produced by WWE Studios who have made it their agenda to bring talented athletes to the forefront of action filmmaking, using their athletic skills as an advantage, and for what it is worth, it’s been paying off. More films are coming down the pipeline from the studio, and here to make another contribution is sensational wrestling badass, actor Randy Orton in his third acting stint for the newly-announced second offering, working titled The Condemned 2: Desert Prey. The film marks Orton’s third foray into acting following 12 Rounds: Reloaded with The Man With The Iron Fists 2: The Sting Of The Scorpion helmer Roel Reiné in the director’s chair for the latest ambitious sequel.
The first saw its then-protagonist Austin singlehandedly taking down a televised high-stakes survival death game. Now, a new player has entered the arena. Place your bets!
SANTA MONICA, Calif., and STAMFORD, Conn. – Lionsgate, the premier next-generation global content leader, and WWE Studios announced today the production of “The Condemned 2: Desert Prey,” (working title), which extends the long-standing partnership between the two studios.
Roel Reiné (“Death Race: Inferno,” “The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption”) is set to direct with WWE Superstar Randy Orton attached to star. “The Condemned 2” marks Reiné’s and Orton’s second film together after the successful release of “12 Rounds 2: Reloaded.” Alan McElroy (“The Marine 4: Moving Target”) wrote the script. The film is scheduled to commence principal photography in New Mexico later this year.
“The Condemned 2” follows a former bounty hunter (Orton) who soon finds himself on the run as part of a newly revamped, high-stakes and deadly Condemned tournament.
“We’re thrilled to be continuing ‘The Condemned’ franchise with Randy, Roel and our terrific partners at Lionsgate,” said Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President.
WWE Studios will leverage its extensive multi-platform reach to promote the film.
“We are excited to be reteaming with WWE on “The Condemned 2,” after such a positive experience on the original film,” said Lionsgate Co-Chief Operating Officer and Motion Picture Group President Steve Beeks. “The combination of their brand marketing capabilities, creativity and deep lineup of dynamic onscreen talent result in a powerful partnership.”
WWE Studios and Lionsgate previously collaborated on “The Condemned,” “See No Evil” and “Leprechaun: Origins,” as well the just-released “See No Evil 2.” In 2015, the two studios will release the first two installments of their “Action Six-Pack” series: “Vendetta,” directed by The Soska Sisters (“See No Evil 2”) and starring WWE Superstar Paul “Big Show” Wight, as well as “Lockdown,” directed by Stephen Reynolds (“Tomb Raider Ascension”) and starring WWE Superstar Dean Ambrose.
Bradley Buchanan, SVP of Business Affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of WWE Studios, and Wendy Jaffe, EVP of Business & Legal Affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of Lionsgate.
H/T: Variety
WWE And Lionsgate Launch New Film Initiative With VENDETTA
SANTA MONICA, Calif. & STAMFORD, Conn., May 22, 2014 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Lionsgate, the premier next generation global content leader, and WWE Studios are extending their longstanding partnership to encompass six new action films which will serve as starring vehicles for WWE Superstars as well as incubators for new and emerging talent, the two companies announced today.