Tom Cruise, along with partner Paula Wagner, have struck a deal with United Artists to run the studio. This has to be satisfying, especially for Cruise, after his public humiliation at the hands of Sumner Redstone, the 83-year-old chairman of Viacom (VIA).
United Artists was originally created to free actors from the bonds of studio heads years ago. Cruise seems to be playing on that history with this partnership.
The company has produced such franchises as Rocky, Pink Panther and James Bond.
In a vote of confidence, United Artists has given total creative control over the entire production slate. MGM will provide the financing and distribution.
Harry Sloan, the chairman of MGM, said: “Our partnership with [the new owners] reaffirms our commitment to providing creative talent with a comfortable home at United Artists and a dedicated distribution partner in MGM.”
Cruise said concerning him and Wagner: “It’s our desire to create an environment where film-makers can thrive and see their visions realised.”
Wagner will be CEO of the company and Cruise will act in and produce films for the studio.
Comment Preview