The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today that it has acquired from Icon Entertainment International (IEI) U.S. rights and Pan Asian pay TV rights to Coriolanus, the feature directorial debut of Academy Award nominated actor Ralph Fiennes. A contemporary staging of Shakespeare’s classic play about the titular Roman warrior, Coriolanus stars Fiennes, Gerard Butler, Academy Award® winner Vanessa Redgrave, Brian Cox, Jessica Chastain and James Nesbitt.
The film will make its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival this Monday, February 14. TWC plans a 2011 release.
Said TWC Co-Chairman, Harvey Weinstein, “My brother’s and my relationship with Ralph stretches back many years and includes two of our most cherished productions, ‘The English Patient’ and ‘The Reader.’ He’s a brilliant artist, and we are honored and delighted to partner with him in bringing ‘Coriolanus’ to American moviegoers.”
Ralph Fiennes said, “I’m thrilled that Harvey and TWC will distribute ‘Coriolanus’ in the U.S. His response to the film was overwhelmingly passionate. He really embraced it. This has been a long road and I cannot think of a better company to do it in the U.S.”
Said IEI Managing Director, Hugo Grumbar, “TWC is the perfect U.S. home for Ralph’s visceral, stunning debut.”
Coriolanus is produced by Ralph Fiennes; Julia Taylor-Stanley for Artemis Films; Gabrielle Tana for Magnolia Mae Films; and Colin Vaines for Synchronistic Inc. It was adapted for the screen by John Logan, (Sweeney Todd, The Aviator, Gladiator). Barry Ackroyd (Green Zone, The Hurt Locker, United 93) is the Director of Photography. The film is being distributed in the U.K. by Lionsgate UK.
