Producer Neal H. Moritz has renewed his first-look development deal with Columbia Pictures through 2019, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Columbia’s parent company, announced Wednesday.
“Neal’s productivity and his success are legendary,” said Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment and Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group, in a statement. “Simply put, he’s the best there is at knowing what audiences want to see and delivering it, on time and on budget. Over the past 17 years, we have partnered on over 25 films, including, most recently, the hit ‘Jump Street’ franchise. Neal is a tremendous collaborator, and I look forward to the great things that are ahead for our partnership.”
Moritz has been based at Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) since he produced “I Know What You Did Last Summer” in 1997. His major hits include the “Jump Street” reboot franchise starring Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill and Universal’s “The Fast and The Furious” franchise starring Vin Diesel.
The power producer is currently working with Columbia Pictures on “Goosebumps,” an adaptation of Scholastic’s international bestselling book series. The film, which stars Jack Black, is slated for release on Mar 23, 2016. He also has several films in development with the studio, including “Passengers,” “Christian the Lion,” “23 Jump Street,” “Bloodshot” and “A Prophet.”