Editorial Staff
I don’t mean that snarkily, or even with tongue-in-cheek, but literally – who is going to be paying for the new “Highlander” film? Who is going to be laying down the cash for the huge sets and special effects budget (we all know that ‘Quickening’ costs a lot to produce! Atleast five flatplanel TV tubes and a can of gumspray)? Get me? Good… Got an answer today. Press release arrived this afternoon announcing that RCR Media Group will co-finance the remake of the Russell Mulcahy film with Summit Entertainment. They were probably intrigued by the prospect of Justin Lin directing – he’s just given Universal their biggest hit in some time with “Fast Five” so likely wanted onboard the next big ‘Justin Lin’ film. Or maybe they want another credit for their wikipedia page.
Also in the press release you’ll notice there’s no mention of Melissa Rosenberg (“Twilight”), who was originally said to be writing the film – her take not go down well? Her suggestion that Taylor Lautner in-a-kit wasn’t as warmly recieved by the studio as she’d hoped? Just think it’s odd she didn’t get a mention that’s all; it can only mean the new writers on the project have started again and there’s not enough left in the story of Rosenberg’s to deserve credit.
Now everyone’s seen “Highlander”, so I don’t need to tell you anything about it, but I’m guessing this is going to be a ‘little’ different from the original 1986 picture. I can’t imagine anyone but Christopher Lambert as Connor – can you? Maybe they should bring him back to play Ramirez?
RCR MEDIA GROUP TO JOIN SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT’S HIGHLANDER
CANNES – May 16, 2011 – Summit Entertainment and RCR Media Group confirmed today that RCR will co-finance Summit’s re-imagination of the popular epic adventure HIGHLANDER which is being designed for a global audience.
HIGHLANDER will be directed by Justin Lin from a screenplay written by Art Marcum and Matt Holloway. Neal H. Mortiz and Peter Davis will produce the project. RCR Media Group’s principles Rui Costa Reis and Eliad Josephson will serve as executive producers on the film. Summit acquired the rights to remake the classic from Davis – Panzer Productions, Inc. in May of 2008.
In HIGHLANDER, after centuries of dueling to survive against others like him, Connor MacLeod, an immortal Scottish swordsman must confront the last of his kind, a murderously brutal barbarian, who lusts for the Prize.
RCR Media Group’s Chairman Rui Costa Reis said: “HIGHLANDER is a property that is known around the world and Summit’s re-imagination is sure to appeal to both existing and new fans of the Highlander lore.”
RCR CEO Eliad Josephson said: “We plan on this being the first of many projects we work on with Summit.”
ABOUT RCR MEDIA GROUP
RCR Media Group is a private equity film financing and production company based in Beverly Hills. With a diversified film slate and long-term partnerships, the company is positioned to become a brand name in film financing. RCR Chairman Rui Costa Reis was born and raised in Angola, and splits his time between Angola, Europe and the United States. A self-made businessman, he is dedicated to improving the quality of life in Angola and closing the cultural circle between the United States and Angola.RCR Media Group recently announced an extension of their deal with Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA) to finance a slate of motion picture films between 2010 and 2012. RCR has also executive produced a number of independent titles and the upcoming Jack & Diane.
ABOUT SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Summit Entertainment, LLC is a worldwide theatrical motion picture development, financing, production and distribution studio. The studio handles all aspects of marketing and distribution for both its own internally developed motion pictures as well as acquired pictures. Summit Entertainment, LLC also represents international sales for both its own slate and third party product. Summit Entertainment, LLC releases on average 10 to 12 films annually.
