Helen Lee-Kim from Lionsgate Shares Insights on Today’s Theatrical Landscape and Exciting Updates on Upcoming Films at Cannes Market

Helen Lee-Kim Renews Contract with Lionsgate Amid Industry Challenges

In a notable development for Lionsgate, President of International Helen Lee-Kim has extended her long-term contract with the company, a move praised by Motion Picture Group Chair Joe Drake, who referred to her as a “superstar.”

Industry insiders regard Lee-Kim highly, with one veteran distributor stating, “Her door is always open, we all like her and respect her; she knows how to handle people. She’s a great asset for Lionsgate.”

With 22 years of experience in the sales sector, Lee-Kim acknowledges the current complexities facing the industry, noting, “Times are as complicated as they’ve been, and they’re getting more and more complex.” She highlighted shifting audience habits, challenges in various international markets, ongoing consolidation, and the emergence of artificial intelligence. “AI is in every conversation that we’re having here,” she added, emphasizing its daily relevance in her discussions.

Despite these challenges, Lee-Kim remains optimistic. “The good news is, people are going to the movie theater at this moment in time. I’ve seen it with our movies. The theater is bubbling,” she noted, citing films such as Michael, The Housemaid, and the upcoming Hunger Games installment as draws for audiences.

Addressing transitions within the company, she expressed support for her colleagues, stating, “It’s not surprising or shocking. There’s always shuffling. Alex is a pro. He’s very well respected, and I’m happy for whatever he’ll be doing in his next chapter.”

Lionsgate’s strong domestic operation gives it a unique status in the international sales market. Lee-Kim emphasized the value of this domestic segment, remarking, “When you look at it, who else is delivering consistently? I’m not saying that people don’t have hits, but who else is consistently delivering these bigger, franchise, event movies that can gross $300M plus? The Housemaid has done $400M global, with $270M of that coming from international.”

Currently, Lee-Kim and her international team are in Cannes, focusing on pre-selling the reboot of The Blair Witch Project and the sequel to The Housemaid. The latter is reported to have a budget ranging from $70 million to $80 million, double that of its predecessor. The Blair Witch reboot, set to shoot this fall, will follow a family whose members go missing during a camping trip after hearing strange noises in the forest.

Regarding The Housemaid’s sequel, tentatively titled The Housemaid’s Secret, Lee-Kim hinted at a larger narrative scope. “It’s an expansion of the world from the first film. The second book is even twistier and it’ll be a more unexpected movie. We’re aiming to be filming by year’s end,” she said. She confirmed that the original creative team is returning, including Sydney Sweeney and Michele Morrone, alongside Kirsten Dunst.

Lionsgate has several anticipated projects in the pipeline. The sequel to Dirty Dancing remains a top priority for Lee-Kim, who indicated script development is underway. She also provided an update on American Psycho, with a script expected later this year.

When asked about Mel Gibson’s high-profile Resurrection of The Christ, Lee-Kim expressed enthusiasm about its broad audience appeal, especially among faith-based viewers. She described the recently completed John Rambo as “huge and genuinely amazing” and noted that discussions about a sequel to Michael are ongoing. Meanwhile, the John Wick spinoff Caine is actively filming.

While Lionsgate refrained from discussing its sales to Russia—amidst broader industry reluctance since the invasion of Ukraine—Lee-Kim confirmed success in that market, specifically citing the partnership with Volga Film for Michael.

On a positive note, she reiterated Lionsgate’s commitment to foreign-language films and collaboration with international filmmakers. “We are expected to keep those entrepreneurial muscles flexed,” she stated, highlighting projects that have emerged from their connections with global talent.

“I think we’re still having fun,” Lee-Kim concluded. “The business is tough, but we’re still finding the fun.”