Lionsgate has acquired North American and U.K. distribution rights to Edko Films’ forthcoming sequel to Chinese blockbuster Monster Hunt.
The deal also gives Lionsgate rights to the Monster Hunt IP for its location-based entertainment venues in some territories.
Directed by DreamWorks Animation veteran Raman Hui (Shrek the Third) and produced by Bill Kong, the first Monster Hunt (2016) earned an historic $382 million, which was then the biggest performance ever at the Chinese box office. The professional polish of the film’s effects set a new standard for the Chinese industry.
Monster Hunt 2 again stars Baihe Bai and Boran Jing, along with franchise newcomer Tony Leung Chiu-Wai (In the Mood for Love, The Grandmaster). Now shooting, the film is set for release during Chinese New Year in 2018. Lionsgate will bring the film out day-and-date with China in the U.S. and U.K.
Set in a world where monsters and humans co-exist, the franchise tells the story of Wuba, a baby monster born to be king. Wuba becomes the central figure in stopping an all-out monster civil war.
