J.J. Abrams is probably a VERY happy man right now. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Abrams’ Bad Robot production banner has finalized a huge deal with WarnerMedia. The five-year deal was previously reported to be in the ballpark of $500 million. But, sources say that number is much closer to $250 million; still, nothing to laugh at though.
Up until this deal, Abrams’ Bad Robot had a similarly exclusive deal through Paramount Pictures. However, he exited that deal but does plan on honoring any commitments he made before doing so. Any films Abrams or his company makes over the next five years will fall under Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema though. And, surprisingly, the deal includes video games as well as digital content. It’s unclear at the time if there are any concrete plans at Bad Robot for a video game or if this is just a sign of the times. And it’s likely the digital content mentioned will be whatever Abrams and co cook up for HBO Max.
His breakthrough first came on TV with the likes of Alias and Lost. So, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see an Abrams-led series hitting HBO Max after it drops next year. Hell, HBO main platform’s already got a number of Bad Robot projects on air or in development in Westworld, Lovecraft, Demimonde, and They Both Die at the End. Then, the production banner has also already got three shows in development for Apple through WB TV: Lisey’s Story, Little Voice, and My Glory Was I Had Such Friends.
