After leaving The Weinstein Company amid the downfall of Harvey Weinstein, Quentin Tarantino went searching for a new home for his latest film. Every studio (sans Disney) seemed to be fighting to the death against other studios for the opportunity, but there can only be one, and Sony has emerged as the victor.
The news was announced this morning that Sony beat out the final two studios in the running – Warner Bros. and Paramount – for the rights to distribute Tarantino’s new movie, which is set in 1969 and involves the Manson family murders. Tarantino was reportedly hoping to find a studio who could best release his movie internationally, as well as meet his lofty demands, which is said includes a huge budget for the flick. According to some rumors, the budget is apparently near the range of $100 million.
On top of that, Tarantino also asked for first dollar gross, which means he gets a cut of the movie’s revenue before taxes are implemented. Also, and as to be expected with a man like Tarantino, he asked for final cut with his movie. Such requests apparently scared off some of the bigger studios, but it seems Sony was more than happy to meet his requirements.
On Wednesday news came out that HARRY POTTER producer David Heyman would be joining Tarantino as a producer on the film, and that actor Tom Cruise had made the shortlist to star in the movie, with other names on the list being Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, with Margot Robbie reportedly eyed to play Sharon Tate. None of the actors have signed on for the movie, but word is Tarantino has spoken with them.
Sony doesn’t always have the best track record, like with this year’s THE DARK TOWER, but they seem more than willing to give Tarantino all the resources and freedom he needs to bring his vision to life. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters. Tarantino is a modern master and so as long as Sony leaves him to his work they can expect another award-worthy hit on their hands.
Tarantino’s new film is expected to hit fall 2019.