Post by The Ultimate Nullifier on Jul 29, 2015 9:30:50 GMT -6
variety.com/2015/film/news/wwe-studios-brett-dalton-resurrection-of-gavin-stone-1201551104/
WWE Studios Buys Brett Dalton’s ‘Resurrection of Gavin Stone’
WWE Studios has acquired worldwide rights to the faith-based comedy “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” from the Harvest Bible Chapel’s Vertical Church Films, Variety has learned exclusively.
Brett Dalton, star of ABC’s “Agents of Shield,” portrays the title character. The film, which recently wrapped production, also stars Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, D.B. Sweeney, Neil Flynn and retired WWE star Shawn Michaels.
Vertical Church films founder Dallas Jenkins directed “Resurrection” from a script by Andrea Nasfell. Stone plays a former child star turned washed-up and troubled actor. After receiving a 200-hour community service sentence, Stone pretends to be a Christian so he can play Jesus in a mega-church Easter production to fulfill his hours of service, but then discovers that his most important role is far away from Hollywood.
“It is a privilege to be working with the Harvest Bible Chapel and Vertical Church Films, as they share our understanding of the importance of a strong foundation for storytelling,” WWE Studios President Michael Luisi said. “‘The Resurrection of Gavin Stone’ is a heartwarming tale of faith and redemption that will allow us to continue growing our audience as we expand into new genres.”
WWE Studios will leverage WWE’s platforms from its weekly TV shows, “Monday Night Raw” and “SmackDown,” to market the title. It did not disclose other release plans.
The announcement comes four months after WWE Studios teamed with rocker Gene Simmons to launch Erebus Pictures to finance and produce horror movies in a three-picture co-production deal.
Bradley Buchanan negotiated the deal for “Resurrection” on behalf of WWE Studios.
WWE Studios Buys Brett Dalton’s ‘Resurrection of Gavin Stone’
WWE Studios has acquired worldwide rights to the faith-based comedy “The Resurrection of Gavin Stone” from the Harvest Bible Chapel’s Vertical Church Films, Variety has learned exclusively.
Brett Dalton, star of ABC’s “Agents of Shield,” portrays the title character. The film, which recently wrapped production, also stars Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, D.B. Sweeney, Neil Flynn and retired WWE star Shawn Michaels.
Vertical Church films founder Dallas Jenkins directed “Resurrection” from a script by Andrea Nasfell. Stone plays a former child star turned washed-up and troubled actor. After receiving a 200-hour community service sentence, Stone pretends to be a Christian so he can play Jesus in a mega-church Easter production to fulfill his hours of service, but then discovers that his most important role is far away from Hollywood.
“It is a privilege to be working with the Harvest Bible Chapel and Vertical Church Films, as they share our understanding of the importance of a strong foundation for storytelling,” WWE Studios President Michael Luisi said. “‘The Resurrection of Gavin Stone’ is a heartwarming tale of faith and redemption that will allow us to continue growing our audience as we expand into new genres.”
WWE Studios will leverage WWE’s platforms from its weekly TV shows, “Monday Night Raw” and “SmackDown,” to market the title. It did not disclose other release plans.
The announcement comes four months after WWE Studios teamed with rocker Gene Simmons to launch Erebus Pictures to finance and produce horror movies in a three-picture co-production deal.
Bradley Buchanan negotiated the deal for “Resurrection” on behalf of WWE Studios.