Alcon Media Buys The Rights Of Several IP Franchises From Village Roadshow

Dan Lalonde
Jun 22
1 min read

Updated: Jun 23

Do you want to see Ocean's 14 and The Matrix 5?

In a bold move shaking up Hollywood’s franchise landscape, Alcon Media Group has acquired Village Roadshow’s film library for $417.5 million. This purchase includes 108 titles — among them iconic properties like The Matrix, Wonka, Mad Max: Fury Road, Ocean’s Eleven, Sherlock Holmes, and Joker.

Previously tied to Warner Bros. through a co-financing deal dating back to 1997, these films now enter uncertain territory. Though Warner Bros. retains distribution rights, any sequels or spin-offs must now receive joint approval from Alcon and WB.

Alcon, best known for backing Blade Runner 2049, now holds a 50% stake in the library's copyrights and cash flow, which generates around $50 million annually. This acquisition boosts Alcon’s position as a major independent content holder — second only to Lionsgate in library strength.

The implications are significant. Warner Bros. is still developing projects based on The Matrix and Ocean’s franchises, but must now negotiate with Alcon. Rumors suggest WB may contest Alcon’s control over derivative rights in court, with a hearing likely this summer.

Why didn’t Warner Bros. buy the library? Reports vary: either they passed due to retaining key rights or were outbid, potentially due to financial constraints amid $37 billion in debt.

This new dynamic could reshape future collaborations — or conflicts — between the two studios. Whether the partnership thrives or fractures remains to be seen. Comment below with your thoughts.