Will Smith Paramount Deal: Latest News & Updates
- Will Smith and his production company, Westbrook, have entered into a significant first-look deal with Paramount pictures.
- Two projects are already in early development under the new deal.
- The second project, Rabbit hole, is penned by Jon Spaihts, the writer known for his work on Dune.
Will Smith Signs First-Look Film Deal with Paramount Pictures
Will Smith and his production company, Westbrook, have entered into a
significant first-look deal with Paramount pictures. This agreement will
prioritize the growth of broad-appeal theatrical films, with a
particular focus on projects originating from established intellectual
property (IP) and franchises, and those designed as starring vehicles for
Smith.
Key Projects in Development
Two projects are already in early development under the new deal. The first
is Sugar Bandits
,based on chuck Hogan’s novel Devils in Exile
.
The story centers on a financially struggling Iraqi War veteran who
supplements his income by intercepting drug deals.
The second project, Rabbit hole
, is penned by Jon Spaihts, the
writer known for his work on Dune
. Details regarding the plot of
Rabbit Hole
remain undisclosed.
Paramount’s Strategic Shift
This deal represents the latest strategic move by Paramount Pictures under
the leadership of David Ellison following its merger with Skydance. It
builds upon recent initiatives, including an agreement with Activision to
adapt the Call of Duty
video game franchise into a film.
The focus on IP and franchise development aligns with a broader industry
trend, as studios seek to mitigate risk and capitalize on pre-existing
fanbases. The emphasis on starring vehicles for Will Smith suggests
Paramount intends to leverage Smith’s star power to attract audiences.
Recent Paramount Deals
| Deal | Partner | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| First-Look Agreement | Westbrook (Will Smith) | Theatrical Films, IP, starring Vehicles |
| Adaptation Agreement | Activision | Call of DutyFranchise |