ITN Studios, a Las Vegas-based production, financing and sales company, has acquired worldwide rights to U.S. – Japanese Western THE WIDE WEST starring international action star and three-time Mr. Universe Alexander Nevsky (Gunfight at Rio Bravo) and Sumo Champions Hiroki Sumi (John Wick 4) and Ichi (Ballerina). It’s the first time ever that real sumo wrestlers star in a feature film.
Nevsky plays a gambler who aids the mysterious Japanese travelers against ruthless outlaws who have attacked a small Californian town. Nick Baillie, Tatiana Neva, Kaz Kobayashi and Joe Cornet round out the key cast.
The film is inspired by true events: In 1907, the first-ever sumo delegation from Japan, led by the great Hitachiyama, traveled through the United States to Washington D.C., where they met with President Theodore Roosevelt.
Joe Cornet directed THE WIDE WEST from Craig Hamann’s screenplay. Sumo expert Andrew Freund created the story and produced the film alongside Alexander Nevsky and his Hollywood Storm production shingle. Nick Baillie and Bryan Boches served as co-producers. Eric Brenner (Crazy Heart) executive produced through ETA Films.
Nevsky announced the deal which he brokered with ITN Studios President Stuart Alson.
THE WIDE WEST is completely finished and will be introduced to buyers at the upcoming Marche Du Film international film market in Cannes.
