The Russo Brothers are on the verge of having their biggest film debut yet, with “Avengers: Endgame.” And that’s saying something, considering their last directorial effort earned more than $2 billion at the box office and set records left and right. Needless to say, after their 4 films with Marvel Studios, the duo is in high demand. Now, thanks to MGM, we have a bit of an idea where the future of the directors is headed.
Deadline is reporting that MGM and the Russos’ AGBO production company have reached an agreement to have a partnership that will include co-financing a variety of original projects, as well as the directors’ company spearheading a bunch of remakes of classic films from MGM’s library.
While the details of which films AGBO will be remaking are sparse, it is known that one of the first will be the upcoming “Thomas Crown Affair” re-imagining that is set to star Michael B. Jordan, as well as the animated/live-action hybrid film “The Rats of Nimh.” The upcoming film “Hacienda” is said to be included in the deal, but that’s based on an original concept and not a part of MGM’s library.
“MGM is focused on partnering with Hollywood’s premier talent to bring amazing stories to life. Our partnership with AGBO demonstrates MGM’s focus on creating alliances with today’s most innovative and premier storytellers,” said Chris Brearton, MGM’s Chief Operating Officer. “Joe and Anthony’s track record speaks for itself and we look forward to working with their team to bring new and exciting projects to life on the big and small screens.”
Joe Russo said, “This deal reflects the fundamental tenets upon which AGBO was built: a storytelling driven studio designed to develop and produce a complex array of narrative in an ever-evolving landscape. Artist ownership is primary to our agenda, and we’ll be serving as partners on every film. It’s also an amazing opportunity for AGBO to work with MGM, which owns one of the greatest libraries in the world.”
In addition to the news that AGBO will be in creative control of the MGM remakes, it’s being reported that the Russo Brothers, themselves, are perhaps interested in directing “The Thomas Crown Affair,” with Jordan set to star. They hired a new writer to take a stab at the script. The directors are currently putting on the finishing touches to ‘Endgame’ and will almost immediately begin work on the upcoming film “Cherry.”
