Robert Simonds’ new film and television studio STX Entertainment is nearing a deal with China’s Huayi Brothers Media to produce 18 films over the next three years, an individual with knowledge of the negotiations has told TheWrap.
On Monday, Huayi Brothers disclosed a partnership with an unnamed American studio as part of a regulatory filing in China. It was not one of the six major studios, nor was it Lionsgate, leaving only a handful of possibilities.
A spokesman for STX Entertainment told TheWrap “we do not comment on rumors.”
While the deal likely won’t be officially announced for several weeks, it serves as further proof of China’s increasing control over Hollywood product. STX already has funding from Chinese investor Hony Capital, while Jeff Robinov‘s Studio 8 is partnered with China’s Bona Film Group.
STX’s feature slate includes Matthew McConaughey‘s Civil War movie “The Free State of Jones” and a remake of “The Secret in Their Eyes” starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Nicole Kidman and Julia Roberts.
On the small screen, STX has an output deal with Showtime that runs through 2019.
The news was first reported by Variety.