Lionsgate UK continues its fruitful relationship with Nu Image, picking up trio from LA outfit

Lionsgate UK has picked up theatrical rights to romantic comedy The Big Wedding, thriller The Paperboy and the next installment of horror franchise The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D, all from Nu Image.

The Paperboy, an adaptation of Pete Dexter’s novel of the same name, is being directed by Lee Daniels (Precious) and produced by Daniels and Hilary Shor (Children of Men). Zac Efron, Matthew McConaughey and Sofia Vergara star in this story of an idealistic reporter who returns to his Florida hometown to investigate the potentially unlawful imprisonment of a death row inmate.

Lionsgate has also picked up UK distribution rights to romantic comedy The Big Wedding, starring Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigl, Amanda Seyfried and Diane Keaton. Directed by Justin Zackham, the film focuses on a dysfunctional divorced couple who must pretend to still be married at their adopted son’s wedding in order to please the guest of honour, his religious birth mother.

Currently in production, the latest episode in the Chainsaw series sees Leatherface return to trerrorize a group of teens. Directed by John Luessenhop (Takers) and produced by Carl Mazzocone, the film is a collaboration between Lionsgate and frequent production partner Nu Image.

“We’re delighted to reteam with Millennium/Nu Image on The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3D for this new incarnation of the classic horror franchise,” said Lionsgate CEO Zygi Kamasa. The Big Wedding is a fresh and unusual take on the traditional rom-com and The Paperboy is a gripping thriller with a powerful message. I think all these movies, though clearly very different, have a unique take on their respective genres and show the ambition of our acquisitions activity as we continue to look for commercial, mainstream movies that can appeal to UK audiences and further enhance our distribution slate.”

The deals confirm the ongoing relationship between Lionsgate and Nu Image, which also saw the UK distributor pick up Playing the Field and Medallion in Cannes and acquire previous titles The Expendables, The Mechanic and Bad Lieutenant.

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