Lionsgate Sets Canada Releasing Deal With Cineplex Pictures

Santa Monica-based mini-studio Lionsgate has struck a deal with Canada’s Cineplex Pictures that will see Lionsgate’s 2023 theatrical slate released in Canadian cinemas.

The lineup spans 11 feature films over the course of the year, of which three release in the first quarter: “Plane,” starring Gerard Butler and Mike Colter; “Jesus Revolution,” starring Kelsey Grammer; and the highly anticipated “John Wick: Chapter 4,” starring Keanu Reeves.

More from Variety

• New Jersey Beefs Up Physical Production Infrastructure Through Deals With Netflix and Lionsgate

• Jennifer Lawrence: The Biggest Reaction to 'Hunger Games' Casting Was 'How Much Weight Are You Going to Lose?'

• Anna Kendrick Pulls Her Hair Out in First Trailer for Lionsgate's 'Alice, Darling' (EXCLUSIVE)

The full 2023 slate also includes: “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret,” “About My Father,” “The Blackening,” an untitled Adele Lim comedy, “White Bird: A Wonder Story,” “The Expendables 4,” the next installment of the “Saw” horror franchise, and “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” the prequel to the multibillion dollar “Hunger Games” franchise.

Cineplex Pictures is the genre film releasing subsidiary of the Cineplex stock market-listed Cineplex conglomerate that also includes some 170 cinemas. Its recent releases included “The Good House,” “Lamb,” “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” “Hotel Artemis” and “Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.” In October, it had theatrical rights in Canada for “Prey for the Devil,” a Lionsgate and Gold Circle Entertainment production.

“We’re delighted to expand our collaboration with our partners at Cineplex in this key theatrical market,” said Lionsgate president of worldwide theatrical distribution David Spitz. “With Cineplex’s name recognition, distribution prowess and expertise in the Canadian marketplace, our slate is in great hands in Canada.”

“Cineplex has a longstanding relationship with Lionsgate and we are thrilled to expand the scope of our partnership to include a robust slate of commercially exciting theatrical releases, from action-packed thrillers to family-friendly fare. Our expertise in effectively connecting with moviegoers is grounded in both our rich history of building audiences and deep understanding of what Canadian film lovers are looking for,” said Ellis Jacob, president and CEO of Cineplex.

Best of Variety

• What's Coming to Netflix in January 2023

• What's Coming to Disney+ in January 2023

• Oscar Predictions: Live Action Short - Alfonso Cuarón and Disney are Early Favorites Among Multiple Non-English and International Titles

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.