EXCLUSIVE: Netflix has moved toward an exclusive negotiation to acquire Message From the King, the Fabrice Du Weiz-directed drama that stars Chadwick Boseman, Teresa Palmer, Luke Evans, Natalie Martinez and Alfred Molina. I’ve heard the deal being discussed is in the mid-seven-figure range for U.S. and some foreign territories.
Financed by eOne, the film premiered last Thursday in the Vanguard section here at Toronto. It is a vigilante tale, anchored by Captain America: Civil War and 42 star Boseman as a mysterious traveler from South Africa who combs the Los Angeles underworld for those responsible for the death of his sister. Stephen Cornwell and Oliver Butcher wrote the script, and they produce with David Lancaster. Logan Coles is co-producer. WME Global is brokering this deal.
While some reports have deemed this a slow festival and seemed exasperated by the deliberate pace of deals for finished films, several transactions happened today and more are coming. Unless they are pressed to move quickly, why wouldn’t buyers take their time, see everything and make sure they can do the right thing with a movie before committing minimum guarantees, P&A and the hustle required to turn these films into winners?
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