Lionsgate UK takes over all rights to Icon slate including new Winding Refn/Gosling thriller

Icon UK has confirmed that Lionsgate UK will take over distribution of the handful of remaining titles on its distribution slate as the company prepares to close down its UK distribution operation.

The deal encompasses all rights to yet released titles including theatrical, home entertainment and online platforms.

Lionsgate takes the reins on Adam Wingard’s Toronto hit You’re Next, Walter Salles’ On The Road, Postman Pat: The Movie and Nicolas Winding Refn’s crime-thriller Only God Forgives, set to star Ryan Gosling, which Icon picked up at Cannes.

It is as yet unclear whether the deal includes library titles and which party will be responsible for any outstanding payments on titles acquired by Icon.

Icon UK has recently confirmed that it will refocus its business to concentrate on production, but that it will retain its core sales operation.

Aviv Giladi, Icon CEO said of the shift: “This move will further assert our position in the competitive UK marketplace. We are looking forward to working closely with Zygi Kamasa, Guy Avshalom and all the team at Lionsgate on what we hope to be a very successful relationship.”

Lionsgate COO Guy Avshalom commented: “We are delighted to be working with Aviv and his team at Icon and including a variety of titles into our expanding theatrical slate. I believe this partnership presents an excellent opportunity for both companies to work together.”