“RocknRolla,” Guy Ritchie‘s new movie is searching for a new distributor.
The producer of Guy Ritchie's upcoming gangster film “RocknRolla” Joel Silver has been screening the movie for rival studios Lionsgate and Sony in the hope that they will take it away from Warner Bros., according to the Los Angeles Times.
Alan Horn, chief operating officer of Warner Bros, said that he would honour a small-scale release agreement for “RocknRolla,” even though he doubted its commercial appeal.
“I think it's a well-made picture, but while it's funny in spots, it's very English. [!] I don't think it's broadly commercial. It feels like a film that deserves a spirited release, but not a wide one. Joel has an 800-screen deal, which we'll honour, but we might not be willing to spend the marketing money he wants us to,” Horn said.
He added that he would be open to selling the film to a rival if the right offer came along:
“If Joel is thinking there is someone out there willing to spend twice as much money as we're willing to, I'm sure he will pursue that.”
RocknRolla's scheduled UK release date is September 5, 2008. US release is expected in October.
“Very English”?? As opposed to what?
The argument continues to be made that “Snatch” starred Brad Pitt and yet didn’t make very much money and is Gerard Butler really a better draw than Brad Pitt? yada yada yada (Do we really have to over the numbers for a little film called “300” that Mr. Butler toplined?)
I submit that since “Snatch” was released to theaters, it became a success on dvd. Because of THIS success, people are eagerly awaiting a return to form from director Guy Ritchie and WILL go see this one in the theaters.