Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures are arguably Hollywoods most high- profile business partners, having shared in the spoils of such blockbusters as 300 and The Hangover and the pain of flops like Jonah Hex and Sucker Punch over the last six years.
But their long-term partnership has come into question as the companies have for the last few months been discussing the possibility of extending their co-financing and production deal, which expires in 2013. Thats in part because they have also been in heated negotiations over working together on one of the industrys most highly anticipated movies, next summers Batman sequel The Dark Knight Rises, according to knowledgeable people who declined to be identified because the talks are confidential.
While Legendary was a 50/50 partner on 2008s The Dark Knight, which grossed more than $1 billion worldwide and sold 16 million DVDs, the film financing and production company has for months been trying to secure a similar ownership stake in the sequel. The film, which like the last two Batman pictures will be directed by Christopher Nolan and star Christian Bale, is expected to cost at least $250 million to produce.
Warner Bros. recently installed movie chief Jeff Robinov has been resistant to again share half the profits, people close to the talks said. A major reason for his reluctance is the studios impending loss of its most lucrative wholly owned movie franchise, Harry Potter, which ends its run this summer. Robinov is counting on DC Comics superheroes to fill the void left by the boy wizard.
Robinov and Legendary Chairman Thomas Tull have recently agreed to collaborate on Dark Knight Rises, but are still discussing the terms of their financial arrangement -- most notably whether Legendary will get a smaller-than-50% stake this go-around.
Legendary has been a great partner and we look forward to working with them on The Dark Knight Rises, Robinov said.