Amazon Studios is looking to create a global franchise.
The streamer and retail outlet announced Saturday during its time at the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour that it is teaming with Joe and Anthony Russo to develop what it described as an “ambitious concept” meant to captivate its Prime Video audience and “redefine the boundaries of storytelling.”
Details about the project are being kept under wraps, but it is described as a “large-scope, multi-layered international event series.” Under the deal, Amazon says the Russo brothers will have the creative freedom to oversee an ambitious concept.
The origin mothership series will be designed to function as what Amazon characterized as a “fire-starter” to “ignite the creation of multiple original local language and local production series.” All of the local series are designed to “enhance the entire entertainment experience” of what is being described as an imagined and layered world.
“The Russo Brothers have impacted the pop culture barometer of creative excellence with their vision for both Avengers: Infinity War and Captain America: Civil War,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios. “They brought a level of scale and execution to those films that has raised the bar for audiences everywhere and we can’t wait for them to do the same for us on this project for our Amazon Prime Customer. We are thrilled to be working with Joe and Anthony Russo and their AGBO Studios as they build this incredible, multifaceted, international franchise.”
The deal with the Russo brothers comes as Amazon, under a mandate from CEO Jeff Bezos, has been charged with finding its version of Game of Thrones — as in not just a genre series, but one that can connect with viewers in the U.S. and abroad.
Salke, in her first interview since taking over for the ousted Roy Price at Amazon, said last month that expanding the company’s global footprint was among her top priorities.
“I want to have a big presence as a global home and there are writers and creators who can break out from anywhere. And we’re expanding in those efforts,” she told The Hollywood Reporter in June.
