Chad Stahelski to Oversee the Creative on Both JOHN WICK and HIGHLANDER Franchises at Lionsgate
Filmmaker and John Wick franchise creator Chad Stahelski has been dreaming up his Highlander reboot for years, and in the past few months it has finally gained a little traction, with Stahelski confirming that it is slowly but surely moving forward. This week, Lionsgate has inked a deal with the director, leaving him to oversee the creative decisions on both the future of the Highlander franchise, as well as the John Wick franchise, which is still churning out projects, like the upcoming spin-off movie, Ballerina.
Stahelski will have supervision of the brands across film, television, and all multimedia platforms. A press release regarding the deal reads: “The director and his team at 87Eleven Entertainment have taken the lead in designing a comprehensive multi-platform content strategy for both franchises.”
Stahelski will work side by side with the franchise producers – Thunder Road’s Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee on the Wick franchise and Neal H. Moritz and the estate of the late Peter S. Davis on Highlander.
Joe Drake, the outgoing chair of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group and Adam Fogelson, chair of the MPG, said:
“This deal expands on the great creative relationship we already have in place on John Wick and extends it to our Highlander franchise. From the outset, Chad has been the creative force defining the world of Wick; as we continue to think about the future for that world, we want Chad, working together with Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee of Thunder Road, as our stewards guiding us and strategizing together at every step. This deal makes it official, and we look forward to his steady hand and creative input not just on the film he is making, but other stories that arise from it. He is a true visionary, and we are thrilled to have him in our corner.”
Stahelski said of the new gig:
“I am pleased to be able to grow my relationship with Lionsgate in this new oversight role for the John Wick universe and its further expansion. John Wick is so close to my heart and to be able to continue shepherding it will be a blast for me. I’m so happy to also be launching another franchise with Highlander, a world that is so rich with engaging stories to be told.”
Are you looking forward to the future of the John Wick and Highlander franchises?
via: Deadline