Paramount Acquires Yahya Abdul-Mateen II & Mark Wahlberg Pic ‘By Any Means’, Sets Labor Day Release
#Paramount Pictures#By Any Means#Yahya Abdul-Mateen II#Mark Wahlberg#Labor Day release#CinemaCon#crime thriller#Elegance Bratton
📌 Key Takeaways
Paramount Pictures acquired U.S. rights to the crime thriller 'By Any Means'.
The film stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Mark Wahlberg and is directed by Elegance Bratton.
The theatrical release is set for September 4, targeting the Labor Day weekend.
The deal was announced ahead of CinemaCon, with WME Independent handling the domestic sale.
📖 Full Retelling
Paramount Pictures has acquired all U.S. distribution rights to the crime thriller 'By Any Means,' directed by Elegance Bratton and starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Mark Wahlberg, the studio announced ahead of the CinemaCon industry convention. The film is scheduled for a theatrical release on September 4, strategically positioned to open during the lucrative Labor Day weekend. This acquisition, brokered by WME Independent for the domestic deal, represents a significant move by Paramount to secure a high-profile genre film with major star power for its late-summer slate.
The film is a crime thriller set against a tense urban backdrop, though specific plot details remain under wraps. The project brings together a notable creative team, with director Elegance Bratton, who garnered critical acclaim for his autobiographical drama 'The Inspection,' stepping into the genre space. The casting of two major box office draws—Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, an Emmy winner known for 'Watchmen' and 'Candyman,' and Mark Wahlberg, a consistent action star—signals the studio's confidence in the film's commercial potential. The acquisition was finalized just before the annual CinemaCon gathering in Las Vegas, where studios traditionally showcase their upcoming slates to theater owners.
The international sales rights for 'By Any Means' are being handled separately by the sales agency north.five.six, indicating a global distribution strategy that segments domestic and overseas markets. By securing a prime holiday release date, Paramount is aiming to capitalize on the traditionally strong moviegoing period of Labor Day weekend, which often serves as the final major box office window of the summer season. This move is part of a broader industry trend where studios actively acquire completed or near-completed films from producers and independent financiers to bolster their release calendars with proven talent packages, mitigating the risks associated with original development.
Mark Robert Michael Wahlberg (born June 5, 1971), formerly known by his stage name Marky Mark, is an American actor, producer, and former rapper. His work as a leading man spans the comedy, drama, and action genres. He has received multiple accolades, including a BAFTA Award, and nominations for two...
Paramount Pictures Corporation, commonly known as Paramount Pictures or simply Paramount, is an American film production and distribution company and the flagship namesake subsidiary of Paramount Skydance. Founded on May 8, 1912, it is the sixth-oldest global film studio and the second-oldest in the...
Cinema United, formerly known as the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), is an American trade organization whose members are the owners of movie theaters. Most of the operators of worldwide major theater chains are members, as are hundreds of independent theater operators; collectively, t...
Ahead of CinemaCon, Paramount Pictures has picked up all U.S. rights to the Elegance Bratton directed crime thriller By Any Means starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Mark Wahlberg. The pic will open on Sept. 4, Labor Day weekend. WME Independent handled the sale of the film, while north.five.six is handling international sales of the film. Set against the […]
