THE WIDE WEST: ITN Studios Takes World Sales For U.S.-Japanese Western Ahead Of Cannes
Director Joe Cornet’s U.S.-Japanese Western adventure, The Wide West, is setting sale under Las Vegas-based firm, ITN Studios, at the Marche du Film next month. The film reteams Cornet with actor and three-time Mr. Universe, Alexander Nevsky (Gunfight At Rio Bravo, Taken From Rio Bravo) who also serves as producer.
Cornet directs The Wide West from Craig Hamann’s screenplay, which stars Nevsky as a gambler who bands with mysterious Japanese travelers to take on ruthless outlaws who have attacked a small Californian town. The film is inspired by true events, namely dating back to 1907 when the first-ever sumo delegation from Japan, led by the great Hitachiyama, traveled through the United States to Washington D.C. where they met with President Theodore Roosevelt.
Joining Nevsky on screen are Sumo Champions Hiroki Sumi (John Wick: Chapter 4) and Ichi (From Ths World Of John Wick: Ballerina), signaling a debut moment for real sumo wrestlers headlining a feature film. Rounding out the cast are Nick Baillie, Tatiana Neva, Kaz Kobayashi and Cornet.
Sumo expert Andrew Freund created the story and produced The Wide West alongside Nevsky and his Hollywood Storm shingle. Baillie serves as co-producer next to Bryan Boches. Eric Brenner (Crazy Heart) executive produced through ETA Films.
Nevsky, who is also on track to bookend his Rio Bravo trilogy with Cornet back at the helm, announced the deal on Thursday which he brokered with ITN Studios President, Stuart Alson.
