U.K. Lionsgate nabs 'Harry Brown'

Michael Caine stars in crime thriller

By ARCHIE THOMAS

Distrib Lionsgate U.K. has acquired U.K. rights to Marv Films’ contemporary British crime thriller “Harry Brown,” which stars Michael Caine.

Caine plays an elderly former serviceman drawn to vigilantism while living in a run-down ‘burb rife with gangs, guns and drugs.

Topical pic, which stars Emily Mortimer as a policewoman, is directed by Daniel Barber, who was Oscar nommed for short “The Tonto Women.”

Pic is produced by Marv’s Matthew Vaughn and Kris Thykier, and Keith Bell (“The Descent”), who brought the project to Marv. Gary Young, who worked with Bell on “The Tournament,” wrote the script.

“ ‘Harry Brown’ is a modern urban Western that reflects the stark realities of youth crime in the 21st century, both in the U.K. and internationally,” Thykier said.

Zygi Kamasa, Lionsgate U.K. CEO, envisages a “hugely commercial release next year,” noting that the acquisition “continues our remit to support mainstream British films.”

Hanway Films is handling worldwide sales on the pic, which is being promoted at the Toronto Film Fest.

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