The iconic Hammer Films and Studios has been acquired by British theatre producer, John Gore
Gore is a 22-time Tony-winning, Emmy and Olivier-winning British entertainment producer and will lead a new Hammer team as Chairman and C.E.O.
“Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve been enchanted by the magic of Hammer Films,” said Gore. “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.”
We’ve been told that this new 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 was founded in 1934 and is synonymous with horror, after defining the genre in Britain with classics such as 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.
Hammer Films and Studios’ new slate of films and projects will be unveiled in the coming months, and 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. Doctor Jekyll had its world premier at this year’s FrightFest and you can read our review here (based on a festival early cut of the movie).
Doctor Jekyll is due for a cinema release later this year.
