‘Barbarian’ Producers to Launch Paramount Genre Label

JD Lifshitz and Raphael Margules — the BoulderLight Pictures team behind horror hits like Barbarian — are heading to Paramount.

The duo, who currently have a deal with Warner Bros’ New Line, will be behind a new genre label at the studio, serving as principals overseeing the development, production and release of high-concept genre films. (The label is yet to be named.)

BoulderLight will head to Paramount after the completion of its Warner Bros. deal in January. BoulderLight will have the option to participate as equity co-financiers on projects within the deal.

“J.D. and Rafi have distinguished themselves as two standout visionaries of the ‘premium pulp’ genre, while also proving their prowess across all genres,” said Paramount Pictures co-chairs Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg in a statement. “With a track record of films that are both critically acclaimed and audience-beloved, we are so thrilled that they’re making their home at Paramount Pictures.”

After David Ellison took the reins, Paramount Pictures has been on a dealmaking spree, with Lifshitz and Margules just the latest additions. The studio announced a deal with Activision that will see the popular video games series Call of Duty become a big-screen movie franchise. Other transactions include a $7.7 billion deal for UFC rights and an exclusive multiyear pact with Stranger Things creators Duffer brothers, and a first-look deal with Will Smith.

Lifshitz and Margules established themselves as horror producers with films like Becky and The Vigil before moving into larger fare with 20th Century hit Barbarian from director Zach Cregger. Their deal at New Line was due to expire at the end of the year and yielded the sci-fi horror movie Companion. Their names is also on Weapons, the latter of which has earned $260 million at the global box office. Other credits include A24 feature Friendship and Netflix pick-up Woman of the Hour.

Said Lifshitz and Margules, “From the moment we first met, we’ve felt a deep connection and alignment with Josh, Dana and David. Their commitment to theatrical volume, passion for cinema and visionary approach to the future of media is inspiring and speaks to our shared values. We look forward to working together to build something tremendous for both filmmakers & audiences. We are grateful for David, Mike, Pam, Richard and everyone at New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Discovery. We could not be more excited for this next chapter.”