Spike Lee’s forthcoming film Chi-Raq will soon be the first release off Amazon Studios’ film division.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Amazon Studios is backing up the film and ICM had “arranged, financed and brokered the deal for U.S. rights on behalf of Lee, who wrapped shooting last week in Chicago.“
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The movie was originally set to premiere at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, but it seems like Lee and Amazon are taking the more mainstream approach. Amazon Studios head, Roy Price, and his movie production chief say the movie will first play in theaters before being made available for Amazon Prime customers.
“We couldn’t have come up with a better film to launch our division in every which way. Chi-Raq makes no apologies and dares to shock,” Hope said. “Spike Lee is one of the most distinct and visionary filmmakers of our time.”
Lee added, “I’m honored to be part of the film that will launch Amazon Studios and to tell a story that is so important. Please don’t be fooled by the title of Chi-Raq, this new Spike Lee joint will be something very special. We have assembled a stellar cast.”
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The film will be featuring a slew of stars, including the likes of Samuel L. Jackson, John Cusack, Angela Bassett, Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Jennifer Hudson, D.B. Sweeney, Harry Lennix and Steve Harris.