HONG KONG — Universal Pictures International Entertainment has acquired rights in most of the world outside Asia to Jackie Chan’s most recent film “Chinese Zodiac” (aka “CZ12”.)
In a long-gestating deal finally signed during last week’s American Film Market, UPIE took rights to the film in North America, the U.K., Eastern Europe, Australasia, France, Portugal, Italy and Spain.
Significantly, the deal excludes North American theatrical rights, as the picture which was directed by, produced by and starred Chan, was released in selected theaters on Oct. 18 by AMC.
The film was released in China and most of Asia in December last year and has grossed $180 million to date. Universal previously partnered with Premium Film for the January theatrical release in Russia.
The film sees a nationalist treasure hunter chase around five continents in order to retrieve 12 bronze animal heads stolen from China.
The deal was negotiated by Ramy Choi on behalf of Jackie & JJ and Jasper van Hecke on behalf of UPIE.
