Universal have smartly locked down Phil Lord and Chris Miller to first-look film production deals. The duo made unlikely hits out of The LEGO Movie and 21 Jump Street before helping make Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse such a hit, winning Oscars for their producing work.
Per Deadline, the deal will see the duo develop films based on “original content, existing IP, and other media formats with an emphasis on championing fresh voices”.
In a statement, Lord and Miller said: “Universal has a history of breaking new ground and championing unexpected voices, so for us it’s a very welcoming environment to make bold, original films that push the medium forward”.
This was a no-brainer move. Lord and Miller have quickly become everyone’s go-to filmmakers when an animated or slightly eccentric project is in the works. Hopefully they can now continue to create vibrant, fun films under their new deal.
Their Lord Miller banner already has multiple projects in the works. One is an adaptation of Andy Weir‘s novel, Artemis, while another is the adaptation of sci-fi children’s book, The Last Human. The duo are eyeing to direct both projects.
Their TV output, which includes the Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs series and the upcoming animated comedy Bless The Harts, will still run through Sony Pictures Television.
Universal Filmed Entertainment Group chairman Donna Langley concluded in her own statement:
“In this competitive landscape, our ongoing ambition is to partner with visionary filmmakers who have true authorship and a voice that is unmistakable. Phil and Chris speak to the culture and have their singular, original perspective to every project they’ve touched. We are thrilled to collaborate with them and welcome them to the Universal family”.
#Peace.Love.Lord&Miller
