Lionsgate Picks Up Conan the Barbarian Film

SANTA MONICA, January 11:
Lionsgate has inked a deal with producer-distributor Nu Image/Millennium Films
for the North American distribution rights to the new Conan the Barbarian film, based on Robert E. Howard’s mythical
conquering hero.

Nu Image/Millennium’s Boaz
Davidson and Joe Gatta are producing the film, along with Fredrick Malmberg of
Paradox Entertainment, George Furla and Henry Winterstern. Additionally, Danny
Dimbort, Trevor Short and Avi Lerner, the founders of Nu Image/Millennium,
serve as executive producers. Production is slated to take place in Bulgaria
this summer and fall.

The two companies most
recently partnered on the latest film in the Rambo series, which Lionsgate is co-releasing with The
Weinstein Company on January 25.

“We are delighted to join
Nu Image/Millennium Films in bringing Conan the Barbarian back to the big screen,” said Jason Constantine, Lionsgate’s
executive VP of acquisitions and co-productions. “This is a character unlike
any other in the action/adventure canon, with an unlimited potential for
stories that are exciting and different. And given the production expertise and
creativity of our friends at Nu Image/Millennium, this Conan is sure to conquer.”

“We could not be happier
to be back in business with Lionsgate,” said Dimbort. “They have done a
phenomenal job with Rambo and
know how to release a high-profile property. Conan is an amazing franchise and they will treat it in
kind.”

Commented Lerner:
“Lionsgate was our choice from the beginning. Jon
Feltheimer has a great crew with good instincts, a fantastic understanding
of distribution and a wonderful marketing machine. They will give these films
the right attention and make them a huge success.”

—By Ned Berke