Legendary Entertainment and Sony Pictures finalize distribution agreement

Legendary Entertainment and Sony Photos Motion Picture Group is breaking up, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.

In late 2022, the two companies announced that Sony would become Legendary’s preferred studio in terms of releasing and marketing its films worldwide (excluding China). But there was an important caveat. Legendary’s most notable franchises, Dune and godzilla (the latter is part of the MonsterVerse), would still be run by Warner Bros.

At the time, Legendary wanted to cut all other ties with Warner after Jason Kilar, part of the previous regime, sent the studio’s entire 2021 lineup simultaneously to theaters and streaming in an effort to boost Max subscribers. That controversial policy was called “Popcorn project.”

When Warners merged with Discovery, newly installed Warner Bros. Discovery chief David Zaslav made it clear that the studio’s films would once again get a proper theatrical release before heading home.

The news that Sony and Legendary are terminating their agreement comes as no surprise to Hollywood insiders. Insiders also wouldn’t be surprised if Legendary returned to Warner permanently. There are two other options: Legendary could reach a new distribution deal with another studio or distribute its films on a title-by-title basis.

The pact with Sony ends at the end of the year, although he remains on board to helm Legendary’s R-rated film for summer 2025. animal friendsa CGI live-action/animation hybrid featuring the voices of Ryan Reynolds, Aubrey Plaza, Jason Momoa and Vince Vaughn. Legendary is producing the film alongside Reynolds’ Maximum Effort and Prime Focus Studios.

Legendary films handled by Sony included the biblical comedy Clarence’s bookwhich stumbled upon its release last year. He didn’t do it either The machinestarring Bert Kreischer, they make a lot of noise.