Sundance Watch: Hamlet 2 Sells to Focus for $10 Million
Sundance's Buyer's Block has broken, as Focus Features has confirmed the acquisition the wee hours Tuesday morning of all world rights to the Steve Coogan comedy Hamlet 2 for $10 million after an intense bidding war. Among the companies vying for the rights were Summit Entertainment, Weinstein Co., Lionsgate, and Warner Independent.
Hamlet 2, a late edition to the Sundance lineup, premiered to raucous laughter at the Library Monday at 5:30 PM. The filmmakers and Coogan repaired to a party at Jean Louis off Main Street, while the buyers converged on the CAA condo, where the agency closed the deal around 3 AM. $10 million is a high figure for Sundance; other sales at that level include Spitfire Grill and Little Miss Sunshine.
Coogan stars as a high school drama teacher who writes a sequel to the Shakespeare tragedy in order to save his drama department. The film also stars Catherine Keener, Amy Poehler and David Arquette.
It was a good day for Focus: they not only nabbed the hottest title at Sundance but scored seven Oscar noms for Atonement, including best picture.
That Elisabeth Shue is a hottie. I can't wait for this movie to come out... anyone know a release date?
Posted by: F. Malek - Go Ducks | February 28, 2008 at 10:45 AM