WWE Studios Moving Forward With Another Animated Movie, WWE Vs. Hanna-Barbera In The Works

WWE Studios is moving forward with another animated movie that would see WWE characters interact with The Jetsons.

We noted earlier this year that Warner Bros. was working on a script for the straight-to-DVD release. This comes after successful animated movie with Scooby Doo and The Flintstones. A second Scooby - WWE movie is currently being produced as well as a series of short films that will feature WWE characters in the ring with various Hanna-Barbera characters.

WWE Studios To Develop Basketball Documentary Into Feature Film

WWE sent us the following:

WWE® STUDIOS TO ADAPT KEVIN LAUE BASKETBALL DOCUMENTARY INTO FEATURE FILM

Long Shot To Spotlight The One-Armed NCAA Division 1 Player

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (AUGUST 26, 2015) – WWE Studios announced today that they have acquired the rights to adapt Franklin Martin's 2013 documentary Long Shot: The Kevin Laue Story to a feature film, following the young man who defied all odds to become the first player missing a limb to play NCAA Division 1 basketball. Kara Holden (Carrie Pilby, The Opposite of Love, Soul Surfer) is set to write the adaptationwith a director soon to be announced.

Inspired by Martin's documentary, Long Shot will detail the trials and tribulations Laue faced and surpassed during his journey from the sleepy town of Pleasanton, California to the basketball court of Manhattan College in New York City, where he became a member of the Division I team in 2009.

"Kevin's story is absolutely captivating and exemplifies true ambition, will and dedication," said Michael Luisi, President, WWE Studios. "It's a privilege for us to spotlight his inspiring achievements to audiences worldwide."

WWE Studios will be handling worldwide rights and will leverage WWE's extensive platforms – including weekly TV shows, digital and social media and the WWE Network – to market this title.

Kevin Laue and Franklin Martin's Dutchmen Films are represented by G. Pirozzi Consulting.

Dolph Ziggler and Kane Starring in WWE Studios’ 6:42

Dolph Ziggler and Kane are starring in a new WWE Studios film. The film, 6:42, is being presented by Lionsgate and will mark Dolph Ziggler’s motion picture debut. The film also stars Katherine Isabelle (See No Evil 2, Ginger Snaps, Hannibal) and is described as follows:

Ray Fitzpatrick (Ziggler) is a tough as nails narcotics cop working the beat in Los Angeles. After a drug bust goes wrong, Ray is forced to shoot his own partner, leading to his suspension from the police force. Before you know it, Ray is dragged right back into the thick of it when a mysterious package arrives at the station addressed to him.

The package leads Ray and his colleagues to an encrypted website where an unidentified kidnapper broadcasts a threat to Ray and the entire police force. The kidnapper, it turns out, is holding a young boy hostage and unless the police department can come up with a $2 million ransom, he’ll set off a time-bomb strapped to the child’s chest.

The department, led by Lt. Cronin (Kane) comes up with the payoff and Ray is tasked as the bagman. When the handover goes down, Ray is forced to shoot and kill the kidnapper before he can set off the bomb and kill the child.

With 6 hours and 42 minutes left before the timed explosive detonates, Ray and Internal Affairs agent Julia Baker (Isabelle) race against time to find the now deceased kidnapper’s hidden lair and save the child before it’s too late.

WWE Studios Acquires Rights To Faith-Based Movie With Shawn Michaels

WWE sent out the following:

WWE® STUDIOS TAKES WORLDWIDE RIGHTS TO THE RESURRECTION OF GAVIN STONE

Brett Dalton, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, D.B. Sweeney, Neil Flynn and WWE Legend Shawn Michaels® Star in the Faith-Based Title

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (July 29, 2015) – WWE Studios (NYSE: WWE) announced today that it has acquired worldwide rights to The Resurrection of Gavin Stone, a faith-based title from the Harvest Bible Chapel's Vertical Church Films. The film recently wrapped production and stars Brett Dalton (Marvel's "Agents of Shield"), Anjelah Johnson-Reyes (Moms' Night Out), D.B. Sweeney ("Suits," "24"), Neil Flynn ("The Middle") and WWE Legend Shawn Michaels.

Written by Andrea Nasfell (Moms' Night Out) and directed by Dallas Jenkins (What If…), who joined the Harvest Bible Chapel and founded Vertical Church Films, The Resurrection of Gavin Stone tells the story of a former child star turned washed-up and troubled actor. After receiving a 200-hour community service sentence, Gavin Stone (Brett Dalton), pretends to be a Christian so he can play Jesus in a mega-church Easter production in order to fulfill his hours of service. Along the way, he reconnects with his past and builds upon his faith to discover that his most important role is far away from the shining lights of Hollywood.

"It is a privilege to be working with the Harvest Bible Chapel and Vertical Church Films, as they share our understanding of the importance of a strong foundation for storytelling," said Michael Luisi, President, WWE Studios. "The Resurrection of Gavin Stone is a heartwarming tale of faith and redemption that will allow us to continue growing our audience as we expand into new genres."

"We're excited to combine resources with a dynamic company like WWE on such a funny, but meaningful project," said Fred Adams, Harvest Bible Chapel Executive Business Pastor.Director Dallas Jenkins added, "Gavin's story is such an entertaining one to tell because the 'fish out of water' aspect is so relatable, no matter what the setting."

WWE Studios will leverage WWE's extensive platforms from weekly TV shows, including WWE's flagship programs, Monday Night Raw® and SmackDown®, digital, social media and WWE Network®, to market the title.

Hulk Hogan And Dusty Rhodes Scene To Be Edited From Upcoming WWE Movie, More On Another Change

The Hulk Hogan scandal has caused WWE Studios' to remove a Hogan scene from the Celebrity Death Pool movie that stars David Hasselhoff and Ken Jeong.

PWInsider reports that a piece of Hogan material was also in the upcoming WWE - Scooby Doo animated movie. Hogan was set to appear in scenes alongside an animated Dusty Rhodes and those will obviously have to be edited now. Hopefully they can just replace Hogan and not have to nix the Dusty scene altogether.

Regarding the Hogan scene in Celebrity Death Pool, apparently it was the opening sequence of the movie so it will definitely have to be re-done.

WWE Studios Announces $35 Million Revolving Credit Facility With Bank Of America Merrill Lynch

Premiere Date For Jerry Springer's WWE Network Show, Update On WWE Horror Movie

WWE Studios horror thriller Incarnate, which features Aaron Eckhart, now has a release date in Belgium of September 23rd, 2015 and a release date in the Netherlands of March 3rd, 2016. It should be released in the United States some time this fall but we'll keep you updated. The movie features Mark Henry in a small role, as announced back in 2013.

- The release date for Jerry Springer's "Too Hot For TV" on the WWE Network is Monday, April 27th. This is the night after Extreme Rules.

WWE Studios to Partner with Richwater on Two Films

WWE Studios and British production-financing company Richwater Films are teaming to co-produce and co-finance action-thriller “Eliminators” and “Rampage,” Variety has learned exclusively.

“Eliminators” will be directed by James Nunn (“Tower Block”) and star Scott Adkins and WWE’s Wade Barrett. The story follows a former U.S. federal agent who must abandon the witness protection program and come out of hiding after his London home is mistakenly invaded — leading to him finding himself on the run from Europe’s most dangerous assassin to get his daughter to safety.

“Eliminators” will start shooting in London in the late spring.

“Rampage,” currently in development, follows an American counterterrorism operative who must work with an English MI5 agent to take down a dangerous terrorist in London. WWE and Richwater plan for the film to go into production later this year.

“Having watched WWE programming since the 1991 Royal Rumble and regarding Vince McMahon as the ultimate entrepreneurial pioneer, I am thrilled to be in business with WWE Studios,” said Jonathan Sothcott, CEO and founder of Richwater Films.

WWE Studios president Michael Luisi said, “As a major new player on the British independent film scene, Richwater Films exudes a professional zeal that is highly compatible with the work we do here at WWE Studios. Both of our organizations are dedicated to creating films that engage and excite.”

WWE Studios will be handling worldwide rights and said it will leverage WWE’s platforms from its weekly TV shows “Monday Night Raw” and “SmackDown.”

The announcement comes a week after WWE Studios formed a partnership with Gene Simmons to launch Erebus Pictures to finance and produce movies in a three-picture co-production deal. “Temple,” which follows a team of trained operatives who find themselves trapped inside an isolated military compound, is the first title in that partnership.

source: variety.com

KISS' Gene Simmons, WWE team up to make horror movies

With his KISS makeup on, frontman Gene Simmons always looked a little scary. So maybe this new venture makes sense.

The rocker and reality-show star is teaming with WWE Studios to launch Erebus Pictures, a label that will finance and produce horror movies. The joint venture kicks off with a three-picture deal starting with "Temple," expected to begin shooting this summer.

"The horror genre continues to fascinate me as it proves to be endlessly thrilling and engaging for audiences," said Simmons, who with KISS has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide.

Erebus Pictures is named after the Greek mythological deity that personifies darkness. It has a logical marketing platform in the WWE Network, a subscription-based streaming service known for pro-wrestling shows such as "Monday Night Raw" and "SmackDown" that appeal to primarily young male fans, arguably the core of the horror-movie audience.

WWE says "Temple" is about a team of highly trained operatives who find themselves trapped inside an isolated military compound after its artificial intelligence is suddenly shut down. While investigating the source of the malfunction, the crew begins to experience strange and horrific phenomena as they try to uncover who or what killed the team previously stationed at the compound.

The studio says a director for "Temple" will be announced shortly. Erebus Pictures' second feature will go into production later this year.

WWE Studios' most lucrative film has been "The Call," a 2013 thriller starring Halle Berry, which earned $68 million worldwide.

source: cnn.com

Video: The Flintstones and WWE: Stone Age Smackdown Trailer

WWE and Warner Bros. team up again for ‘Scooby-Doo 2’

Scooby-Doo and the gang will join forces with WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan and an array of other WWE Superstars to crack another mystery crime full of hijinks and adventure. Stay tuned to WWE.com for more on the “Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery” sequel!

Randy Orton To Star In WWE Studios ‘The Condemned 2′

According to a report today by Variety, WWE Studios will be producing a sequel to the 2007 film "The Condemned," which starred "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

Randy Orton stars in the latest installment, which is called "The Condemned 2: Desert Prey." Lionsgate will again co-produce and distribute the film, which begins production in New Mexico later this year.

"We are excited to be reteaming with the WWE on 'The Condemned 2,' after such a positive experience on the original film," said Lionsgate co-chief operating officer and motion picture group president Steve Beeks. "The combination of their brand marketing capabilities, creativity and deep lineup of dynamic onscreen talent result in a powerful partnership."

According to the article, the film "follows a former bounty hunter who finds himself on the run as part of a revamped Condemned tournament, in which convicts are forced to fight each other to the death as part of a game that's broadcast to the public."

Roel Reine ("Death Race: Inferno," "The Scorpion 3") will direct the movie from a script by Alan McElroy ("The Marine 4?). Orton reunites with Reine on "The Condemned" sequel after having previously worked together on "12 Rounds 2: Reloaded."

Development Begins on New WWE Animated Project

A second WWE & Scooby-Doo crossover animated movie project is in the early stages of development according to a report by Mike Johnson. It is said that if the project gets the green light, the hope is for the movie to be out by 2016. The first WWE & Scooby-Doo animated movie, "Scooby Doo Wrestlemania Mystery" was released earlier this year on DVD & Blu-Ray and has now begun airing on Cartoon Network. WWE's next animated project, a crossover movie with the Flintstones, is set to be released in 2015.

source: pwinsider.com

Hyde Park-Image Nation and WWE Studios Team Up For Celebrity Death Pool Comedy

WWE Studios' Releasing Another Action Movie Starring Former Member of The Shield

Variety reports that WWE Studios' next action movie will be called Lockdown and will feature Dean Ambrose in a starring role. This is the second movie under the new six-pack WWE Studios and Lionsgate deal.

Production starts this month. The movie will be directed by Stephen Reynolds of Tomb Raider: Ascension.

Written by Nathan Brooks and Bobby Lee Darby of WWE's See No Evil 2, Lockdown tells the story of "a police officer who finds himself trapped inside his own precinct and hunted after crooked cops stop at nothing to recover incriminating evidence of illegal activities against those closest to him."

WWE Studios' head Michael Luisi said of Lockdown:

"Lockdown will continue to energize and excite with the high level of adrenaline our fans have come to expect from our films."

WWE Studios and Lionsgate to Repartner on "Action Six-Pack"

Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), the premier next generation global content leader, and WWE Studios (NYSE: WWE) are extending their longstanding partnership to encompass six new action films which will serve as starring vehicles for WWE Superstars as well as incubators for new and emerging talent, the two companies announced today.

The popular directing team of Jen and Sylvia Soska (SEE NO EVIL 2, AMERICAN MARY) will return to the WWE Studios and Lionsgate fold to direct VENDETTA, the first installment of the “Action Six-Pack” series, which will commence photography this summer and feature WWE Superstar Big Show®. The second installment of the "Six-Pack" series, which is currently in development, will commence photography this fall. WWE Studios will leverage its extensive multi-platform reach to promote each film.

Written by Justin Shady, VENDETTA centers on a hard-nosed detective who deliberately commits a crime to get thrown in prison, allowing him the chance to seek vengeance upon the criminal serving a life sentence for having brutally murdered the detective's wife.

“This collection of six high octane films will not only excite our fans, but provide a stage for emerging and talented filmmakers like the Soska Sisters,” said Michael Luisi, WWE Studios President. He added, “We couldn’t have a better partner in this enterprise than Steve Beeks and the team at Lionsgate, who have been great teammates and are proven distributors of this genre.”

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Michael and his WWE team on a series of modestly-budgeted action films that extend our longstanding and successful partnership,” said Lionsgate Co-Chief Operating Officer and Motion Picture Group President Steve Beeks. “We have a strong track record in this genre, and we’re delighted to team with the WWE juggernaut to deliver action-packed event films that will resonate with their global fan base and beyond.”

WWE Studios and Lionsgate previously collaborated on THE CONDEMNED and SEE NO EVIL, as well as the upcoming 2014 releases LEPRECHAUN: ORIGINS and SEE NO EVIL 2. Bradley Buchanan, SVP of Business Affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of WWE Studios and Wendy Jaffe negotiated the deal on behalf of Lionsgate.

2014 WWE Business Partner Summit Presentation

During WrestleMania Week, WWE presented the company's strategic plans at its annual Business Partner Summit.

Highlights from the Summit, found in the video above, include an introduction by WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, special appearances by WrestleMania 30 host Hulk Hogan and WWE Superstar John Cena, and a discussion from senior executives about key growth areas.

WWE's senior management team spoke about these plans and highlighted the following:

"Then, Now, and Forever" - Recent Accomplishments, Immediate Plans for 2014, and the Future Where WWE is Poised For Success (Michelle Wilson, Chief Revenue & Marketing Officer & George Barrios, Chief Strategy & Financial Officer)

30 Years of WrestleMania, Brand Reach and WWE's Dedication to Community (Stephanie McMahon, Chief Brand Officer)

WWE Studio's Strategy, Extension & Successes, Partnerships and Movie Slate for 2014-2015 (Michael Luisi, President, WWE Studios)

International Growth, Reach & Partnerships (Gerrit Meier, Executive Vice President, International)

New Consumer Products (Casey Collins, Executive Vice President, Consumer Products)

Technological Innovations - WWE Network, WWE App, and Social Media Command Center (Perkins Miller, Executive Vice President, Digital Media)

The video can be viewed here.

WWE Studios Announces Partnership on New "Term Life" Movie with Actor Vince Vaughn

WWE Studios (NYSE:WWE) and PalmStar Media Capital have entered into a co-production/co-financing agreement on the Vince Vaughn feature TERM LIFE. TERM LIFE is currently in production and will be distributed domestically by Universal Pictures. WWE Studios will leverage its extensive multi-platform reach to help promote the film, slated for a 2015 release.

Peter Billingsley directs from a screenplay by A.J. Lieberman who wrote the original graphic novel that he created with Nick Thornborrow. Billingsley and Vaughn previously worked on Universal's "Couples Retreat" which made $172 million worldwide,

Nick Barrow (Vaughn) plans and sells heists to the highest bidder, but when his latest job goes horribly wrong he finds himself hunted by everyone he knows - mob bosses, contract killers and dirty cops. With no way out, Nick does the only thing he can think of to help his estranged daughter Cate - he takes out a life insurance policy on himself with her as the beneficiary. It's a great plan until he finds out the policy doesn't take effect for twenty-one days. Now Nick is forced to take Cate on the run and keep them both alive while trying to be a father for the very first time.

"We are excited to partner with PalmStar Media on this tremendous project," said WWE Studios President Michael Luisi. Term Life's dynamic story and stellar cast make for exactly the type of movie that WWE Studios seeks to deliver to audiences everywhere."

PalmStar’s CEO Kevin Frakes added: “I am beyond pleased to be working with WWE Studios. They’ve made smart choices in their motion picture partnerships and of course the audience they are able to deliver is perfect for this movie."

"Term Life" is produced by Vince Vaughn, Micah Mason and Victoria Vaughn for Wild West Picture Show Productions, Kevin Frakes of PalmStar Media Capital and WWE Studios president Michael Luisi.

Bradley Buchanan, SVP of Business Affairs, negotiated the deal on behalf of WWE Studios and Jonathan Gardner of Cohen Gardner LLP negotiated the deal on behalf of PalmStar.

Video: WWE hosts the premiere of "Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery" in New York City

Triple H & Stephanie McMahon at the Premier of Scooby-Doo! WrestleMania Mystery