MGM has set Warner Bros. Pictures to be its new partner for international theatrical releases, taking over the arrangement from Universal Pictures.
Under the pact, Warner Bros. International’s distribution division will handle all MGM’s movies outside of the U.S., including China. The deal also includes worldwide physical home entertainment distribution on all newly released MGM titles.
The arrangement begins with the release of Luca Guadagnino’s “Bones and All” in November and Michael B. Jordan’s “Creed III” early next year. Universal Pictures International’s last films under the deal will be Chinonye Chukwu’s historical drama “Till” in October and “Women Talking” in December.
One key franchise, however, won’t make the jump right away – James Bond. The next Bond film entry, the 26th overall in the franchise, will still be handled and distributed by Universal Pictures International as part of the studio’s original agreement. Should the deal still be operating at the time, “Bond 27” will go to Warners.
Universal released the 25th Bond entry “No Time To Die” globally last year along with other notable MGM titles like “House of Gucci” and “Licorice Pizza”. Other recent MGM films like “Thirteen Lives” and “Samaritan” are debuting on Amazon Prime.
The new partnership was unveiled by Warner Bros. co-chairs and CEOs Michael De Luca and Pamela Abdy, who recently arrived at the studio from MGM.
Source: THR
