Who Retains Sequel Rights?

[Jorzilla]

I've seen this topic pop-up a few times since the announcement that Legendary was breaking off it's deal with WB and moving to Universal (which I think is a great move considering Legendary's focus on monsters, and Universal's history). The general consensus is that rights to a sequel will stay with Legendary, and that after the financing/marketing/distribution of Godzilla 2014 is over, the relationship will be severed with WB. However, is this actually CONFIRMED?

I'm specifically looking from input from some of the people with insider information, or know how Hollywood actually works. **cought**KPA**cough**


I'm hoping we can use this as a go to source if this question is brought up again.

[mrbluehair]

I retain distribution rights....got it on paper after a drunk night with Legendary and Warner executives ended up with certain cell phone photos taken in Tijuana after Comic Con last year. Godzilla is gonna make me rich and then I'm sending the rights to Either Asylum or Platinum Dunes...whoever is the highest bidder. Then I will have Uwe Boll and Michael Bay fight to the death to direct. It will be epic.

There will then be a forward to the movie voiced by Dean Devlin, Rolland Emmerich, Matthew Broderick, Maria Patillo, Hank Azaria and Jean Reno and it will read:

DD: In 1998, myself and Roland were given a great honor and challenge...to bring Godzilla to the United States and give him all the latest in special effects techniques...
RE: We were given a huge budget and set out to hire the best cast we could....
DD: We wanted to recreate Godzilla in a way that the whole world would love....OUR WAY! No rubber suit or indestructibility...no breathing fire, no...Godzilla was gonna be real and he was going to be fast and dig holes and sound like an constipated elephant as he ran away like a sissy....
RE: Dean, what you're trying to say was we really crapped the bed on this one and set back the series to the point Toho could not wait to make it disappear....
DD: Sorry, so here to discuss their role in this crime are some of the actors....Matthew?
MB: I learned that I do not belong anywhere near an action movie, that mellow comedic movies or geek movies are where I need to stay. Sorry...Maria?
MP: I learned that this was my only chance at stardom outside a terrible sitcom that lasted 5 episodes. Now the only time people recognize me are angry Godzilla fans that still ask if they can sleep with me...Hank
HA: Ahhh gee whiz, what I learned is that back then, I was married to Tea Leone God only knows why and I'm really best suited for voice work on The Simpsons...Jean?
JR: I was the only one who was worth a flying croissant in this movie, I have nothing to apologize about.

Then cut to..... GODZILLA: THE MUSICAL!!!!

[Silver Kamen]

To be honest, I think it's a bit early to be talking about Sequel rights. We don't even know if there will be a Sequel.

[The Real McCoy]

It's still an interesting question, regardless of whether there's a sequel or not.

[Silver Kamen]

[H-Man]

I'd wager the rights stay with Legendary since they're the ones actually producing the film.

[Silver Kamen]

[Gman2887]

[kpa]

According to the studios and industry press, Warner Bros and Legendary share any franchises developed during their partnership and both would be involved in any sequels produced unless one of the companies relinquishes their share. For example, Warners gave up their stake in SEVENTH SON which Legendary will now release through Universal.

Warner Bros wants to have full control over their DC Comics films so they did a trade with Legendary for the MAN OF STEEL sequel. Legendary gave up their stake to MOS2 in exchange for full domestic ownership of Christopher Nolan’s INTERSTELLAR (which they’ll release through Paramount, not Universal) while Warners will handle international distribution.

No word yet (as far as I know) on PACIFIC RIM so at this point sequels would still be done by both companies.

With GODZILLA sequels, I think it’s too early to say for sure. Toho’s deal is with Legendary and Warner Bros so, if the film does well enough to warrant a sequel, both companies would be involved. Legendary couldn’t make a sequel with Universal (or any other studio) unless Warners and Toho both approved, and that would involve a new round of contract negotiations and money changing hands. Both Legendary and Warners have hopes that GODZILLA will launch a hit franchise so I doubt they would abandon their shares easily.

So, until we hear otherwise from an official source, I expect GODZILLA 2 would be a Legendary/Warner Bros co-production.

[Gman2887]

Interesting, so even with Legendary and Warner Brothers split they're likely to still have ties to each other? I suppose that makes sense given the DC situation. So these fears of sabotage seem... unwarranted?

[Silver Kamen]

[jellydonut25]

[Silver Kamen]

[Gman2887]

[jellydonut25]

So...do we think Legendary may buy WB out from Godzilla (or vice-versa)?

[Silver Kamen]

[Gman2887]

I'm not really insinuating that. From what Kieth had to say on the matter, it sounds like it would be a hard deal to make amongst the three companies involved. If a sequel does end up in the cards, right now, it sounds like Legendary and WB are just going to have to play nice.

[jellydonut25]

[Silver Kamen]

[daikaijusaurus]

I think it would be great if Legendary can somehow break away from WB for the sequel and bring in Universal simply because a King Kong Vs Godzilla remake would be a strong possibility

And also, it would be totally awesome to have a Godzilla ride at Universal Studios, my wife and I would go like every week!

[Silver Kamen]

[Henry88]

[Silver Kamen]

[kpa]

[Silver Kamen]