'John Wick' Producer Thunder Road Launches Genre Label Badlands

EXCLUSIVE: Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee’s Thunder Road (John Wick) is partnering with longtime Screen Gems executive Scott Strauss to launch Badlands.

Backed by Andrew Schwartzberg and Jon Shiffman’s Renegade Capital, the independent genre label will feature development and co-fi funds and plans to make two to three films per year.

First up for the new venture will be Arachnid, starring Matilda Lutz. Written by Jayson Rothwell (Underworld: Blood Wars) and directed by Ángel Gómez (Voces), the spider thriller is due to begin filming this July in Madrid. Altitude Film Sales will introduce the film to buyers in Cannes next week, with CAA Media Finance handling domestic rights.

Rothwell, Schwartzberg, Shiffman, Peter Welter, Alexandra Milchan, and Josh Weinstock are part of the Arachnid producing team.

Lutz is best known for genre projects including Revenge, Reptile and the upcoming films Magpie and Red Sonja, in which she has the title role. Gómez is best known for Netflix’s popular horror Voces.

Strauss left his post as Executive Vice President of Screen Gems in December. For two decades, he oversaw development, packaging, global production and post-production on more than 40 films for Sony’s genre division, including the Resident Evil and Underworld franchises, and movies such as Easy A, The Vow, Prom Night and The Pope’s Exorcist. Prior to Sony, Strauss served as Vice President of Kopelson Entertainment and President of Outlaw Productions.

Recent Thunder Road projects include Monkey Man, John Wick: Chapter 4 and John Wick prequel spinoff series The Continental. Upcoming are Ballerina and Greenland: Migration.

“I am lucky to be in business with Thunder Road and Renegade,” said Strauss. “Badlands will be an extension of both companies’ entrepreneurial spirit and is moving quickly to acquire and produce a fresh slate of horror IP.”

“Thunder Road has been looking to expand into the horror space and we are thrilled to partner with someone as smart, creative, and hardworking as Scott,” said Thunder Road Partner and President of Production Erica Lee. “His experience and track record speak for themselves and our team is dedicated to making Badlands a success.”

Lutz is represented by The Gersh Agency, Ethos Entertainment, Independent Talent, and attorney Ryan LeVine. Gomez is represented by CAA and Scott Glassgold at Ground Control. Rothwell is represented by Cliff Roberts at Syndicate Entertainment. Thunder Road and Badlands are represented by CAA Media Finance.