Lionsgate announced Tuesday that it has acquired U.S. distribution rights for "Dredd," "Protection," and "Safe." The three action pictures are being financed by IM Global.
Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"Safe" stars Jason Statham ("Crank") and is directed by Boaz Yakin ("Remember the Titans"). The $30 million film is currently in production.
"Dredd" represents a second attempt to adapt the cult comic book "Judge Dredd." An earlier version from Hollywood Pictures starring Sylvester Stallone bombed badly when it was released in 1995. In place of Sly, Karl Urban will play the law and order dealing justice. The film stars production on Nov. 12 in Cape Town. Pete Travis ("Vantage Point") is directing.
Action thriller "Protection" stars Dwayne Johnson and is directed by Simon West ("Lara Croft: Tomb Raider"). "Protection" will shoot in New Mexico.
The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Jason Constantine, Lionsgate president of acquisitions and co-productions; Eda Kowan, Lionsgate senior vice president of acquisitions and co-productions, and Wendy Jaffe, executive vice president business & legal affairs, acquisitions and co-productions; and by Stuart Ford, IM Global founder and CEO, and Kendra Dousette, senior vice president of business affairs, on behalf of IM Global.
