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Miramax and Weinstein Co. reunite, plan 'Shakespeare in Love' and 'Rounders' sequels

Miramax and Weinstein Co. reunite, plan 'Shakespeare in Love' and 'Rounders' sequels

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Rounders
Rounders

Sequels for popular '90s films Rounders and Shakespeare in Love are likely on the way. A multi-year agreement announced today will see The Weinstein Company produce new movies, TV shows, and live productions in partnership with Miramax, the studio that brothers Bob and Harvey Weinstein founded in 1979 and eventually sold to Disney. Miramax is now controlled by a group of private investors, who in recent years have focused on milking its huge library of over 700 films rather than producing fresh content. The newly announced pact allows the Weinstein brothers to dig back through that archive and resurrect old hits for a new audience.

"There is so much intellectual property, and we’re in an age where, for however long it lasts, content is king," said Harvey Weinstein. According to Deadline, the Weinsteins already have two items on their agenda: sequels to Shakespeare in Love and Rounders, the underground poker drama starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton, are both said to be top priorities. “I’ve discussed making Rounders 2 with Matt Damon and I would say that’s going to be instantaneous,” Weinstein said. He pictures the film's story beginning with a poker game in Paris before "we’re off to the racetrack and Vegas with Matty and Edward Norton, and a new super-villain to replace John Malkovich.” Other possibilities include a Good Will Hunting television series and a sequel to 1996 cult classic Swingers. "Reuniting Harvey and Bob with the acres of cinematic diamonds that is the Miramax library, and combining the two companies' powerful distribution capabilities, will create an unparalleled partnership in cinematic excellence," said Miramax chairman Tom Barrack Jr.