'Matrix,' 'Ocean's Eleven' producer files for bankruptcy, blames streaming
Share and Follow


(KTLA) – The company behind hits like “The Matrix” and “Ocean’s Eleven” has filed for bankruptcy, the latest domino to fall in a struggling Hollywood industry.

Village Roadshow Entertainment of West Hollywood, which also worked on “Joker,” filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Monday, the Los Angeles Times reports.

Village Roadshow “blamed its ongoing legal battle with longtime partner Warner Bros. for its collapse,” though it also admitted that “its ambitious push into producing independent films and television programs before the pandemic was unprofitable, exacerbating its financial woes,” the Times reports.

At issue is what some companies claim is the wrongful practice of streaming companies putting big-budget movies on their platforms without giving them a full theatrical release.

Scarlett Johansson’s suit against Disney over the streaming of “Black Widow” is perhaps the most prominent incident, though Village Roadshow claims a similar situation with the sequel “The Matrix Resurrections.”

In this case, Village Roadshow’s newest “Matrix” film underperformed at the box office, which the company blames on Max’s strategy of simultaneously putting the movie out on streaming, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

When the suit over “Resurrections” was filed three years ago, Warner Bros. said in a statement that it was “a frivolous attempt by Village Roadshow to avoid their contractual commitment to participate in the arbitration that we commenced against them last week.”

“We have no doubt that this case will be resolved in our favor,” the statement added.

The case remains active, with a hearing scheduled for April 25, Nexstar’s WJET reported.

At this point, however, it’s unclear if that suit will be completed, as Village Roadshow still owes about $18 million in attorneys’ fees for this lawsuit alone, Variety reports.

“Even if the WB arbitration is resolved, the company believes that it has irreparably decimated the working relationship between WB and the company, which has been the most lucrative nexus for the company’s historic success in the entertainment industry,” Village Roadshow said in a filing.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Joey Fatone of *NSYNC Makes a Triumphant Return to Orlando for ‘ & Juliet’ at Dr. Phillips Center

ORLANDO, Fla. – Joey Fatone, best known for his time with *NSYNC…

Controversy Erupts Over Networks Airing Trump’s Partisan White House Address: Should TV Time Be Granted?

ATLANTA – As Donald Trump took the stage for his inaugural address…

Governor McMaster Engages in Key Redistricting Talks with White House Amidst Controversy

In late November, Governor Henry McMaster of South Carolina engaged in discussions…

Celebrating Victory: Vic Binkley’s Historic 800th Win in Clinton Sports Legacy

CLINTON, Ill. — Clinton High School’s boys basketball coach, Vic Binkley, has…

Army Sergeant Denies Guilt in Shooting Incident Involving Five Victims at Georgia Military Base

An Army sergeant has entered a plea of not guilty to charges…

Paris Financial Hub Evacuated Following Collapse of Exterior Wall

PARIS, Ill. (WCIA) — A sudden structural failure led to the swift…

Abandoned Properties Stir Alarm in Orange County: The Rising Threat of Zombie Homes

ORLANDO, Fla. – In the West Lakes area, residents are no strangers…

Iconic Downtown Orlando Bar Announces Closing Date – Last Chance to Visit!

ORLANDO, Fla. – A beloved fixture of downtown Orlando’s nightlife, Tanqueray’s, will…