Saban Films Takes North American Rights for ‘Atlas King’ Featuring UFC Fighter Michael Bisping and Cuba Gooding Jr.
Saban Films Acquires North American Rights to "Atlas King"
Saban Films has secured the North American distribution rights for "Atlas King," a film written and directed by Nika Agiashvili, known for "Tbilisi, I Love You." The project features UFC Hall of Fame fighter Michael Bisping in the lead role.
Bisping, recognized for his performance in "xXx: Return of Xander Cage," is joined by Cuba Gooding Jr. of "Jerry Maguire," George Finn, who has appeared in "LOL" and "Tbilisi, I Love You," and Sarah Wayne Callies from "The Walking Dead."
The production team includes Agiashvili alongside Finn, Zaina Tibi, Deanna Plascencia, Savannah Belcher, Mike Campbell, and Ben Holland. Executive producers are John Edward Lee and Kevin DeWalt, with Arianne Fraser and Delphine Perrier representing Highland Film Group. Associate producers Jarrod Ham, Nicole Plascencia, and Giga Chikadze also contribute to the project.
The film’s narrative centers on mixed martial arts legend Atlas King, portrayed by Bisping, who returns home to attend his closest friend’s funeral. He is then drawn back into the violent underworld he once sought to escape.
According to the official synopsis, the fight scene is dominated by the ruthless crime boss Clay Emerson, played by Gooding. Emerson’s control threatens to obliterate the remnants of Atlas and his friend Dutch’s empire. To protect Dutch’s son, Tommy, and Penelope, who is struggling to keep her family intact, Atlas must take significant risks. The film promises intense showdowns, including savage fights in the ring, a high-stakes heist, and a climactic confrontation between Atlas and Clay.
Jonathan Saba negotiated the deal on behalf of Saban Films, while Highland Film Group managed the process for the filmmakers during this year’s European Film Market, where they are also handling international sales.
