Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan
Theo Wargo/Getty Images; Karwai Tang/WireImage
Warner Bros. is the winner for Ryan Coogler’s next feature film.
Coogler wrote the script and directed, starring Michael B. Jordan. Coogler also produces through his production company Proximity Media Zinzi Coogler and Sev Ohanian.
The acquisition ends three weeks of intense interest from studios, with Universal Pictures and Warner Bros. ultimately remaining the last two companies vying for the crown.
One of the appeals of the package is the reunion of Coogler and Jordan, a combination that has proven to be both artistically and financially successful. Coogler often worked with the actor on films such as ” black panther movies, and creed and Fruitvale Station.
Sources say the studio and Coogler are moving quickly and plan to begin production in New Orleans in April. One aspect of the deal is an ownership component that would allow Coogler to regain certain rights on some kind of timeline, sources said. Details are unknown.
The project is one of several hot projects hitting Hollywood studios and streamers after the Christmas and New Year holidays. This deal makes it one of the last great deals on a home. 28 years laterDanny Boyle and Alex Garland’s massive three-movie sequel plan for the zombie classic 28 days later, which landed on Sony last week.More low-key but still celebrity-centric black bagSteven Soderbergh’s spy thriller was picked up by Focus Features last month.
But at the same time 28 years later Based on a known title and with nostalgic interest in mind, the Coogler project has executives excited for several reasons. First, it was an original project with commercial and franchise potential; second, it was an opportunity to do business with a hot and talented filmmaker who had previously worked with several productions. Has been linked to the studio franchise, but is now a free agent.Coogler’s last film was Black Panther: Wakanda ForeverThe film was released in 2022 and grossed $859.2 million at the global box office.
Details are being kept under wraps, but sources say the project is described as a period thriller involving the undead (some say it takes place in the Jim Crow-era South). Some sources say it was also influenced by anime – Jordan is known to be a huge fan – but it’s unclear how those influences were incorporated into the project.
WME, which represents Coogler and Jordan, handled the deal.