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Fox Signs New Two Year Production Deal with Darren Aronofsky

by Alex Billington
November 18, 2010

Three cheers for Darren! Or maybe just two for two years? It was announced today (read the press release) that Fox Filmed Entertainment has signed one of my very favorite filmmakers, Darren Aronofsky, and his production company Protozoa Pictures to a two-year, overall deal. Under the pact, Protozoa will develop and produce films for both 20th Century Fox and Fox Searchlight Pictures. Ever since The Wrestler sold to Searchlight a few years back, he's been situated well within the studio, and I've seen him conversing openly with Fox head Tom Rothman at parties. It's obvious they like him or they wouldn't have him for Wolverine.

Aronofsky's debut picture under the pact will be The Wolverine, starring Hugh Jackman. Written by Oscar-winner Christopher McQuarrie, the film is scheduled to begin production in April next year. "Darren's vision has brought audiences some of the most original and memorable stories and characters in recent motion picture history," stated Fox Searchlight heads Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley. "We at Fox witnessed this first hand with his work on The Wrestler, and Black Swan, and now, on The Wolverine, which will be an exciting take on that iconic figure and on the genre itself. We can't wait to see what else Darren has in store for us."

Couldn't agree more and I can't wait either! Though he has yet to receive an Academy Award, although I'm hoping that changes next year as that is quite frustrating, anyone who signs an exclusive deal to work with this guy is setting themselves up for an amazing arrangement, as Darren is one of the best filmmakers of this generation. I've seen Black Swan multiple times and think it's one of this year's greatest films, and I love his entire filmography, he's one of a few I'm happy to call a filmmaking genius. I'm already excited to see what he comes up with for The Wolverine and every project he has after. Best of luck on the new production deal!

Filed under Indies, Movie News, Opinions

From around the web:

Marcus

This guy is like the Alfred Hitchcock of the 21st century.
sedna

How... Hitchcock made suspense films, Aronofsky makes dramas...
Nethanel

@2 Marcus is right, Hitchcock's move to Paramount where he put out some of his most famous films (Rear Window, Psycho, Vertigo) is what I think of. Aronofsky is getting a move that very few directors ever had. A deal like this means he has a lot of freedom and in this industry, you have to be the best, especially if your movies aren't blockbusters, which Aronofsky's films aren't.
Jesus

Requiem for a Dream is the most depressing movie of all time.
Cracky

Aronofsky is very, very good at what he does. Especially when he has complete control. The Wolverine will give TDK a run for its money.
Wtf?

@5 Wtf?
Cracky

Oh sorry... I forgot to make some kinda connection to Hitchcock.
Walter

@6 Yes it will give TDK a run for it's money. See with this you have a great comic book character and a great director. I think were looking at the next great superhero film in the making.
Voice of Reason

So long as his movies retain his grit, truth and visceral style and doesnt begin to lean towards the look and feel of a very Hollywood movie, which Aronofsky has managed to stay away from his whole career and why people like his movies.....i just dont want him to sell out and loose his way. Kids...c'mon now, great directors have been attached to great superhero stories and botched the movie as a result. Nothing is ever a perfect formula and The Wolverine could very well suck. No director has ever had a perfect track record. #4, by "depressing" you mean "mind-blowing-ly awesome" right?
Candy Castle

Best of luck Darren!