British theatre producer John Gore has acquired the iconic Hammer Films and Studios, in an acquisition announced today.
Gore, the 20-time Tony-winning, Emmy and Olivier-winning British entertainment producer, renowned for his live theatre company the John Gore Organisation which owns Broadway.com and Broadway Across America – a presenter, distributor, and marketer of Broadway theatre worldwide – has acquired Hammer Films. Gore will lead a new team as Chairman and CEO.
Marking a significant moment for both Hammer Films and Gore, the acquisition brings together two forces in the entertainment industry. According to a release, the acquisition will lead to “significant investment in Hammer Films, (and) the partnership will breathe new life into the studio, blending the nostalgic charm of Hammer with modern cinematic style and innovation – all the while preserving its rich heritage and vast library, ensuring continued appreciation by generations to come.”
Hammer Films and Studios has held its iconic status in the film industry and made an indelible mark on British and global cinema since it was founded in 1934. The company is synonymous with horror, after defining the genre in Britain with classics such as The Brides of Dracula, Dracula, The Curse of Frankenstein and The Mummy, which made stars of Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing while spawning numerous sequels widely adored by audiences across the globe.
It also produced such classics as One Million Years B.C starring Raquel Welch and She starring Ursula Andress. Although famous for horror it had great success across all genres and achieved the rare cross-over success from film to TV and vice versa.
With a captivating new slate of films and projects that will be unveiled in the coming months, the first film of the new incarnation of the studio to be released is B Good Picture Company’s Doctor Jekyll, starring Eddie Izzard and Scott Chambers, and directed by Joe Stephenson. It is due for a cinema release later this year.
John Gore said of the acquisition: “Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve been enchanted by the magic of Hammer Films. Its stories, its characters and its unique place in British heritage and cinema have been a source of inspiration and wonder.
“Today, as I stand at the helm of this iconic studio, my commitment is twofold: to celebrate and preserve the unmatched legacy of Hammer and to usher in a new era of storytelling that captivates audiences worldwide. With significant investment and a fresh creative vision, we will ensure that the spirit of Hammer not only endures but thrives in the modern age.”
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