Horror Hitmakers Lifshitz, Margules Shift to Paramount for High-Concept Genre Films

JD Lifshitz and Raphael Margules, from BoulderLight Pictures known for horror hits like Barbarian, are moving to Paramount from Warner Bros’ New Line. The pair will be in charge of a new, unnamed genre label at the studio, overseeing the development, production, and release of high-concept genre films.

– JD Lifshitz and Raphael Margules, the team behind BoulderLight Pictures, are set to head to Paramount after their deal with Warner Bros ends in January. They will oversee a new, yet-to-be-named genre label at the studio.
– Paramount co-chairs Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg have praised the duo’s vision and track record in the ‘premium pulp’ genre and look forward to them bringing high-concept films to the studio.
– This move is Paramount’s latest addition to a dealmaking spree which includes a partnership with Activision on a Call of Duty movie franchise, a $7.7 billion deal for UFC rights, and a first-look deal with Will Smith.

JD Lifshitz and Raphael Margules, renowned for their role behind the creation of the hit horror films like ‘Barbarian’ as part of the BoulderLight Pictures team, have inked a deal with Paramount.

Currently under contract with New Line, a subsidiary of Warner Bros, they are set to launch a genre-specific label at Paramount, where they will act as principals supervising film development, production, and release. The name of the label has not been disclosed as of now.

Upon completion of their ongoing deal with Warner Bros in January, BoulderLight Pictures will move to Paramount. The contract terms allow BoulderLight the discretion to become equity co-financiers in the project’s scope.

“JD and Rafi are two rather remarkable visionaries, particularly in the ‘premium pulp’ genre. Their potential extends beyond borders, and they have shown competence in all genres of filmmaking,” extolled Paramount Pictures co-chairs Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg in an announcement. “Their repertoire comprises films that have been both commended by critics and loved by audiences; therefore, we are immensely excited that Paramount Pictures will be their new working ground.”

Paramount Pictures has been on a massive deal-making roll since David Ellison assumed command, with Lifshitz and Margules being the most recent inductees. The studio unveiled a partnership with Activision, promising to turn the renowned video game series ‘Call of Duty’ into a big-screen movie franchise. Other recent deals include securing exclusive UFC rights worth $7.7 billion, a multi-year exclusive contract with the creators of Stranger Things, the Duffer brothers, and a first-look agreement with Will Smith.

Lifshitz and Margules gained recognition in the horror genre with films like ‘Becky’ and ‘The Vigil’ under their belt before moving on to grander projects with the 20th Century success ‘Barbarian’, directed by Zach Cregger. During their stint at New Line, they released ‘Companion’ and ‘Weapons’, with the latter grossing $260 million at the global box office. Their other notable works include A24’s ‘Friendship’ and Netflix’s ‘Woman of the Hour’.

In a joint statement, Lifshitz and Margules conveyed, “We felt a profound connection and alignment with Josh, Dana, and David from our first encounter. Their dedication to volume in theaters, cinephilia, and futuristic vision for the media sector is inspirational and resonates with our shared values. We are eager to collaborate to build something considerably significant for both filmmakers and audiences. We extend our gratitude to David, Mike, Pam, Richard, and everyone at New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Discovery. We anticipate the upcoming chapter with great enthusiasm.”