Toronto: Universal Pictures International Takes Mads Mikkelsen Western 'The Salvation'

By THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER / by Scott Roxborough

11-09-2014

 

UPIE will release Kristian Levering's feature, co-starring Eva Green, across Latin America, Eastern Europe and South Africa

Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE) has picked up Kristian Levring´s western The Salvation, featuring Hannibal star Mads Mikkelsen, for multiple international territories.

In a deal announced in Toronto, UPIE acquired The Salvation for all of Latin America, Eastern Europe and South Africa.

TrustNordisk is handling international sales on the feature, which co-stars Eva Green. Trust's head of sales Susan Wendt negotiated the deal.

“(This deal) strongly indicates that the international market place is more than ready for a western of Scandinavian origin,” Wendt said.

The Salvation, co-written by Levring and Denmark's Anders Thomas Jensen (In a Better World) features an ensemble cast that includes Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Mikael Persbrandt, Jonathan Pryce and French soccer star turned actor Eric Cantona.

Mikkelsen stars as a Danish settler in 19th century America who sets out to avenge his family.

Buyers jumped on the film after its premiere as a midnight screening in Cannes, with IFC Films picking up North American rights, Concorde taking Germany and Austria and Tohokushinsha acquiring Japanese rights, among several other deals.