WME partner Brian Swardstrom has left the agency after failing to come to terms on a new deal, an individual familiar with the situation has told TheWrap.
Swardstrom represented movie stars such as Edward Norton and Ben Foster as well as a who’s-who of cable TV stars including Damian Lewis (“Homeland”), Michael C. Hall (“Dexter”), Bill Paxton (“Big Love”), Michael Chiklis (“The Shield”), Jessica Lange (“American Horror Story”) and John Lithgow.
Also Read: Agents from Charlie Hunnam, Kit Harington’s Teams to Leave CAA (Exclusive)
Swardstrom is still weighing his next move, and it’s unclear which clients will be joining him should he go to work for a rival agency. There will likely be no shortage of interest in Swardstrom, who is well-regarded in agency circles for his fierce commitment to clients and savvy negotiating skill.
Swardstrom joined Endeavor as a partner in the New York office in 1998 before moving to Los Angeles. When Endeavor merged with the William Morris Agency in 2009, Swardstrom joined his fellow partners in WME’s Los Angeles office.
Also Read: With IMG Deal, WME Surpasses CAA in Size – But at What Cost?
Swardstrom’s exit has nothing to do with WME recently $2.3 billion acquisition of IMG Worldwide, which will bolster the agency’s roster of sports talent.
The Hollywood Reporter broke the news of Swardstrom’s departure.