‘The Odyssey’ VFX House DNEG Co-Finances Francesco Lucente’s Fantasy Adventure ‘Sinbad,’ Cappu Films Boards Sales (EXCLUSIVE)
DNEG, the visual effects company behind Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey”, has joined Francesco Lucente’s fantasy adventure “Sinbad” as co-financier and producer. The deal brings an experienced effects studio and an international sales partner to a new screen version of the classic sailor’s tale, as its financing and cast are assembled.
Hong Kong-based Cappu Films is selling the film across territories in Asia, Europe, the CIS, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Africa and some Pacific islands. Pre-production is due to begin in early 2027, with delivery planned for March 2029; sales talks began at the Busan market and are continuing ahead of TIFFCOM. Lucente wrote the screenplay and will direct, while DNEG’s credits include “Inception”, “Interstellar” and both “Dune” films.
In short
- DNEG is co-financing and producing Lucente’s “Sinbad”.
- Cappu Films is handling international sales across multiple regions.
- Pre-production is planned for early 2027, with delivery in March 2029.
Explained simply
Sinbad is a legendary sailor whose adventures appear in the collection of Middle Eastern folk tales known as One Thousand and One Nights. Stories about him often involve long voyages, strange lands and fantastical creatures, and have been retold in books, theatre and films.
Francesco Lucente is the writer and director of this new screen version. DNEG is a visual effects company that also works as a film producer and financier; Cappu Films is handling sales in a range of international markets.
The project brings together the story’s established folklore and companies with experience in effects and international film sales. Its progress will depend on assembling the cast and financing, as well as completing production.
Basketball Entertainment Europe Film Sport World