Joe and Anthony Russo’s production company Agbo has received a $400 million investment stake from Nexon Co., a Tokyo-listed video game company, valuing Agbo at $1.1 billion.
Nexon is known for its online games and virtual worlds and is behind its franchise “Dungeon & Fighter” that’s wildly popular in China and Korea. Nexon’s investment will support Agbo’s development, production and ownership of tentpole films and shows, as well as games, but it will also allow Nexon to speed up and expand its existing IP under the agreement. And if requested by Agbo, Nexon is also committing an additional $100 million in the first half of 2022.
Nexon will now take a 38% stake in Agbo and become the largest individual shareholder in the company, and Nick van Dyk, the gaming company’s president of its film and television division, will also be added to Agbo’s board of directors, as will Nexon...
Nexon is known for its online games and virtual worlds and is behind its franchise “Dungeon & Fighter” that’s wildly popular in China and Korea. Nexon’s investment will support Agbo’s development, production and ownership of tentpole films and shows, as well as games, but it will also allow Nexon to speed up and expand its existing IP under the agreement. And if requested by Agbo, Nexon is also committing an additional $100 million in the first half of 2022.
Nexon will now take a 38% stake in Agbo and become the largest individual shareholder in the company, and Nick van Dyk, the gaming company’s president of its film and television division, will also be added to Agbo’s board of directors, as will Nexon...
- 1/5/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Agbo, the entertainment company founded and controlled by “Avengers: Endgame” filmmakers Anthony Russo and Joe Russo, has sold a minority stake for $400 million to Tokyo-based game maker Nexon. The deal values Agbo at $1.1 billion.
Agbo was established by the Russo brothers and their producing partner Mike Larocca in 2017 and has created such films as the gritty war drama “Cherry,” the action thriller “Mosul,” the black comedy “Assassination Nation,” and “Extraction,” an action film with Chris Hemsworth that premiered on Netflix and inspired an upcoming sequel. In television, the company has been less prolific, producing the Netflix docuseries “Larry Charles’ Dangerous World of Comedy,” but they have other high-profile shows on tap, such as the spy series “Citadel” and the comic book-inspired “Grimjack.”
The Russo brothers are best known for their work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where their credits include “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War.
Agbo was established by the Russo brothers and their producing partner Mike Larocca in 2017 and has created such films as the gritty war drama “Cherry,” the action thriller “Mosul,” the black comedy “Assassination Nation,” and “Extraction,” an action film with Chris Hemsworth that premiered on Netflix and inspired an upcoming sequel. In television, the company has been less prolific, producing the Netflix docuseries “Larry Charles’ Dangerous World of Comedy,” but they have other high-profile shows on tap, such as the spy series “Citadel” and the comic book-inspired “Grimjack.”
The Russo brothers are best known for their work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where their credits include “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War.
- 1/5/2022
- by Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Agbo, the production entity founded in 2017 by filmmakers Joe and Anthony Russo along with Mike Larocca, has sold a large minority stake to video game maker Nexon for $400 million.
Nexon, an Asia-based company whose nascent LA-based film and TV division is run by Disney alum Nick van Dyk, has also committed to invest another $100 million in the first half of 2022 if asked by Agbo. The transaction gives Nexon a 38% position, making it the largest shareholder in Agbo, which is now valued at $1.1 billion. Nexon will also gain two board seats, for van Dyk and Tim Connors, a former Marvel exec who arrived at the gaming company last month in a senior studio role.
The Russos are responsible for several of the highest-grossing movies ever released, an elite roster topped by Avengers: Endgame in 2019. The Ohio-born duo have explored a wide range of stories as producers, writers and directors since reaching the pinnacle of studio blockbuster-dom.
Nexon, an Asia-based company whose nascent LA-based film and TV division is run by Disney alum Nick van Dyk, has also committed to invest another $100 million in the first half of 2022 if asked by Agbo. The transaction gives Nexon a 38% position, making it the largest shareholder in Agbo, which is now valued at $1.1 billion. Nexon will also gain two board seats, for van Dyk and Tim Connors, a former Marvel exec who arrived at the gaming company last month in a senior studio role.
The Russos are responsible for several of the highest-grossing movies ever released, an elite roster topped by Avengers: Endgame in 2019. The Ohio-born duo have explored a wide range of stories as producers, writers and directors since reaching the pinnacle of studio blockbuster-dom.
- 1/5/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Tim Connors, the former chief operating officer of Marvel Studios, has joined the studio arm of Asia-based video game company Nexon.
As SVP of Operations, Legal & Business Affairs, Connors will report to Nexon Studios President Nick van Dyk, a former senior executive at Disney and Activision Blizzard. Van Dyk launched the LA-based division earlier this year, as Deadline was first to report. Founded in 1994 in South Korea, Nexon is now based in Japan and lists its shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The company has a market value of nearly $18 billion.
Connors was COO at Marvel through the release of its first six movies and Disney’s 2009 acquisition of the company. He has also held senior posts roles at independent production companies like Legendary, Qed and Artists Production Group and gained experience in the U.S., Europe and Asia. He spent several years as a strategic consultant for Kadokawa Entertainment...
As SVP of Operations, Legal & Business Affairs, Connors will report to Nexon Studios President Nick van Dyk, a former senior executive at Disney and Activision Blizzard. Van Dyk launched the LA-based division earlier this year, as Deadline was first to report. Founded in 1994 in South Korea, Nexon is now based in Japan and lists its shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. The company has a market value of nearly $18 billion.
Connors was COO at Marvel through the release of its first six movies and Disney’s 2009 acquisition of the company. He has also held senior posts roles at independent production companies like Legendary, Qed and Artists Production Group and gained experience in the U.S., Europe and Asia. He spent several years as a strategic consultant for Kadokawa Entertainment...
- 12/15/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Nexon, an Asian video game developer specializing in immersive virtual worlds, is setting up an LA-based film and TV division to be run by Disney and Activision Blizzard veteran Nick van Dyk.
In addition to being president of Nexon Film and Television, van Dyk will also be the parent company’s EVP and Chief Strategy Officer. In that role, he will steer strategic planning, M&a, corporate development, franchise management and partnerships.
Nexon, founded in 1994 in South Korea, is now based in Tokyo. It is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has a market capitalization north of $18 billion.
The film and TV unit will look to leverage existing IP at the company. Its titles include long-running games like Dungeon Fighter, The Kingdom of the Winds, MapleStory and KartRider. Others are in development at Nexon’s Embark Studios in Stockholm, Sweden.
In an interview with Deadline, van Dyk...
In addition to being president of Nexon Film and Television, van Dyk will also be the parent company’s EVP and Chief Strategy Officer. In that role, he will steer strategic planning, M&a, corporate development, franchise management and partnerships.
Nexon, founded in 1994 in South Korea, is now based in Tokyo. It is publicly traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange and has a market capitalization north of $18 billion.
The film and TV unit will look to leverage existing IP at the company. Its titles include long-running games like Dungeon Fighter, The Kingdom of the Winds, MapleStory and KartRider. Others are in development at Nexon’s Embark Studios in Stockholm, Sweden.
In an interview with Deadline, van Dyk...
- 7/15/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
John Saavedra Feb 17, 2020
Blizzard has let slip that there are Overwatch and Diablo animated series on the way.
Two of Blizzard's biggest franchises, Overwatch and Diablo, could be getting the animated series treatment, according to information revealed by Nick Van Dyk, the president of Activision Blizzard Studios, on LinkedIn. On his resume, Dyk confirmed that he worked on both animated series -- an Overwatch cartoon and a Diablo anime, the latter of which is in pre-production and will be distributed worldwide by Netflix. This news was first reported by IGN.
This isn't the first time we've heard that a Diablo animated series is in the works. In 2018, Boom! Studios founder Andrew Cosby posted and then deleted an announcement on Twitter that he was in talks with Netflix to make a Diablo series. Blizzard never confirmed these talks and has yet to confirm them now, but the company has been pushing...
Blizzard has let slip that there are Overwatch and Diablo animated series on the way.
Two of Blizzard's biggest franchises, Overwatch and Diablo, could be getting the animated series treatment, according to information revealed by Nick Van Dyk, the president of Activision Blizzard Studios, on LinkedIn. On his resume, Dyk confirmed that he worked on both animated series -- an Overwatch cartoon and a Diablo anime, the latter of which is in pre-production and will be distributed worldwide by Netflix. This news was first reported by IGN.
This isn't the first time we've heard that a Diablo animated series is in the works. In 2018, Boom! Studios founder Andrew Cosby posted and then deleted an announcement on Twitter that he was in talks with Netflix to make a Diablo series. Blizzard never confirmed these talks and has yet to confirm them now, but the company has been pushing...
- 2/17/2020
- Den of Geek
Activision Blizzard Studios is already getting the gears turning on a sequel to Call of Duty, tapping Black Panther scribe Joe Robert Cole to pen the upcoming second installment.
The studio hired Sicario 2 director Stefano Sollima earlier this year to helm the first film, which is an adaptation of the popular video game, and even though a cast hasn’t been assembled, the studio wants a sequel script ready to go as soon as the first pic goes into production next year.
The studio hired Sicario 2 director Stefano Sollima earlier this year to helm the first film, which is an adaptation of the popular video game, and even though a cast hasn’t been assembled, the studio wants a sequel script ready to go as soon as the first pic goes into production next year.
- 11/27/2018
- by Justin Kroll
- Variety Film + TV
For its franchise hopeful “Call of Duty,” Activision Blizzard Studios is chasing director Stefano Sollima, TheWrap has learned. Sollima is currently in discussions to handle the successful video game’s first trip to the big screen, an individual familiar with the project said. Kieran Fitzgerald will write the script. Sollima directed the forthcoming “Sicario 2: Soldado,” starring Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro. The border thriller’s gritty tone should tell you something about the direction the studio is taking the film, under the care of veteran film producer Stacey Sher, Nick van Dyk, Coco Francini and Bobby Kotick. Representatives for Activision anf Sollima did not...
- 2/15/2018
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
Matthew Byrd Feb 15, 2018
Stefano Sollima is in talks to direct the long-awaited adaptation of Call Of Duty for the big screen...
Variety is reporting that Stefano Sollima, director of Sicario 2: Solado, is in talks to direct the planned film adaptation of the Call Of Duty franchise.
Multiple sources have reportedly informed Variety that Activision Blizzard Studios - the film and television division of Activision Blizzard - are currently negotiating with Sollima in the hopes that he will sign-on to the project. However, no representative from Activision Blizzard Studios will confirm that the studio is in negotiations with the director at this time.
Aside from Sicario 2 - which is expected to release this summer - Sollima has mostly worked as a television director on series like Gomorrah, Romanzo Criminale, and Crimes. His filmography includes the crime epic Suburra and the police story A.C.A.B. He's known as a capable noir and crime director,...
Stefano Sollima is in talks to direct the long-awaited adaptation of Call Of Duty for the big screen...
Variety is reporting that Stefano Sollima, director of Sicario 2: Solado, is in talks to direct the planned film adaptation of the Call Of Duty franchise.
Multiple sources have reportedly informed Variety that Activision Blizzard Studios - the film and television division of Activision Blizzard - are currently negotiating with Sollima in the hopes that he will sign-on to the project. However, no representative from Activision Blizzard Studios will confirm that the studio is in negotiations with the director at this time.
Aside from Sicario 2 - which is expected to release this summer - Sollima has mostly worked as a television director on series like Gomorrah, Romanzo Criminale, and Crimes. His filmography includes the crime epic Suburra and the police story A.C.A.B. He's known as a capable noir and crime director,...
- 2/14/2018
- Den of Geek
We've known for awhile that Activision was planning on developing a Call of Duty film franchise. They announced their initial plans about a year ago and we haven't had any updates since. Now today we've learned that they've been developing something big for the property. According to Activision Blizzard Studios co-presidents Stacey Sher (Pulp Fiction, Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight ) and Nick Van Dyk, they plan on building a Call fo Duty cinematic universe. This is obviously inspired by the formula that Marvel has found success in with their own movies and TV shows.
While speaking with The Guardian, Sher revealed that they have long-term plans in place for the property that will encompass both movies and TV series. She explains:
“We have plotted out many years. We put together this group of writers to talk about where we were going. There’ll be a film that feels more like Black Ops,...
While speaking with The Guardian, Sher revealed that they have long-term plans in place for the property that will encompass both movies and TV series. She explains:
“We have plotted out many years. We put together this group of writers to talk about where we were going. There’ll be a film that feels more like Black Ops,...
- 4/6/2017
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Call Of Duty: Infinite Warfare Gallery 1 of 19
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Marvel may have popularized Hollywood’s shared universe model with a string of standalone films all expertly woven together under the umbrella of the McU, but with each year that passes, we’re beginning to see more and more signs of other studios adopting a similar strategy going forward.
Take Universal as an example, which is currently angling The Mummy to be the crux of its brave new world of gods and monsters. Another studio that’s currently eyeing the shared universe treatment is Activision, after reports emerged late last year that the video game giant was in the process of constructing a “robust” cinematic universe built around Call of Duty.
Widely considered to be one of the biggest names in entertainment, the Call of Duty brand holds a tremendous amount of cachet...
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Marvel may have popularized Hollywood’s shared universe model with a string of standalone films all expertly woven together under the umbrella of the McU, but with each year that passes, we’re beginning to see more and more signs of other studios adopting a similar strategy going forward.
Take Universal as an example, which is currently angling The Mummy to be the crux of its brave new world of gods and monsters. Another studio that’s currently eyeing the shared universe treatment is Activision, after reports emerged late last year that the video game giant was in the process of constructing a “robust” cinematic universe built around Call of Duty.
Widely considered to be one of the biggest names in entertainment, the Call of Duty brand holds a tremendous amount of cachet...
- 4/5/2017
- by Michael Briers
- We Got This Covered
Activision Blizzard’s “Skylanders Academy” has been picked up for a third season at Netflix, the companies announced this week. The first original TV series developed and produced by the gaming giant’s content studio, run by Co-Presidents Stacey Sher and Nick Van Dyk, is an animated collaboration with France’s TeamTO. “Our focus, really, is to continue to make family entertainment that is filled with adventure, humor and heart,” Sher told TheWrap of the renewal. Also Read: 'Hateful Eight' Producer Stacey Sher Named Co-President of Activision Blizzard Studios For an animated series, the show is produced at a remarkable speed.
- 2/4/2017
- by Matt Donnelly
- The Wrap
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