Roth
After an opening weekend proving the multiplex is anything but a hostile environment, Screen Gems and Lionsgate are planning a sequel to "Hostel," with writer-director Eli Roth in talks to return and steer the second installment.
Sadist-loving horror film bowed No. 1 at the box office, taking in $20.1 million.
Lionsgate and Screen Gems intend to release the sequel in a year, mimicking Lionsgate's successful quick turnaround of "Saw" and "Saw II."
Lionsgate and Screen Gems will have the same partnership arrangement as on the first "Hostel," whereby Screen Gems will make the movie, while Lionsgate will release it in the U.S.
Screen Gems will retain international theatrical rights, as well as all homevid rights. The two partners will share in the profits after taking their respective distrib fees.
Next Entertainment's Mike Fleiss and Chris Briggs, who originally brought "Hostel" to Screen Gems and were producers on the film, are in talks to produce the sequel as well.
It's not clear whether "Hostel" exec producer Quentin Tarantino will be back.
Contact Pamela McClintock at
pamela.mcclintock@variety.com