IM Global filed a motion on Wednesday seeking to reclaim distribution rights to the Nicholas Hoult–Felicity Jones thriller “Collide” from the bankrupt studio Relativity Media.
IM Global, the lead financier on the film that was previously called “Autobahn,” wants prompt nullification of its distribution deal with Relativity by Sept. 30 — in advance of the likely sale of Relativity’s film and TV assets to a stalking-horse group made up of senior lenders Anchorage Capital, Falcon Investments and Luxor Capital.
That sale is due to be completed by the end of October, but IM Global argued that any delay in the domestic release of the thriller would jeopardize grosses on the film, which is seen as having significant potential at the overseas box office.
IM Global “cannot wait until the sale to the Stalking Horse bidder is consummated because other contracts with third parties depend on the Wide Release of the Film by October 30, 2015,” according to the filing in New York’s U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
Barring the emergence of any new competitive bids, Ryan Kavanaugh‘s company will be sold for $250 million to the stalking-horse group.
Representatives for Relativity Media had no comment; IM Global has not yet responded to TheWrap’s request for comment.