‘Joker’ and ‘The Matrix’ Producer Village Roadshow Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

The well-known movie production and funding company, Village Roadshow Entertainment Group, which is behind blockbusters like “The Matrix,” “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Joker,” and “The Lego Movie” series, has sought protection under bankruptcy laws in the United States.

The company filed for Chapter 11 in Delaware on Monday, with $223.8 million in asset-backed secured notes and $163.1 million of senior secured debt, according to court documents. The news comes amid a long-drawn out and expensive legal battle with its long-standing partner Warner Bros. over “The Matrix Resurrections,” a 2021 sequel to the sci-fi series.

Village Roadshow took legal action, claiming a breach of contract, since Warner Bros simultaneously released the movie in Max and cinemas on the same day.

“The company historically enjoyed a prolific co-production, co-financing and co-ownership relationship with WB, which included the production, ownership and derivative rights flowing from 89 titles – including the ‘Matrix’ franchise – and comprised the vast majority of the Debtors’ business,” the documents filed on Monday read.

The arbitration case has resulted in the company being charged over $18 million in legal fees, most of which are still unpaid. This, along with the potential arbitration award that could negatively impact the company’s financial standing, is not the only consequence of this matter.

The filing added: “Even if the WB arbitration is resolved, the company believes that it has irreparably decimated the working relationship between WB and the company, which has been the most lucrative nexus for the company’s historic success in the entertainment industry.”

Similar to numerous entertainment firms, Village Roadshow, a company operating in both the United States and Australia, faced challenges due to the decline in production caused by the pandemic as well as the Hollywood writers’ strike that pushed back filming schedules.

Village Roadshow was founded in 1997 and has produced and released over 100 films, also including “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Ready Player One” and “Wonka.” In 2017 it sold a controlling interest to Falcon Strategic Partners and Vine Media Opportunities.

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2025-03-17 17:55