DNEG, the visual effects house on Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” has come aboard Francesco Lucente’s fantasy adventure “Sinbad” as co-financier and producer, with Hong Kong-based Cappu Films handling sales in a wide spread of territories.
The deal was unveiled ahead of the Tokyo International Film Festival‘s TIFFCOM market. Lucente’s fresh screen version of the classic sailor tale is due to begin pre-production in early 2027 and to deliver in March 2029.
Cappu first showed the project to buyers at the Busan market, and sales conversations are ongoing as casting and the wider package take shape.
“‘Sinbad’ is a story that has captured imaginations for generations, and our ambition is to bring it to life on a scale and with a sense of wonder that audiences have never experienced before,” said Lucente, who wrote the script and will direct. “We’re creating a breathtaking world of adventure, extraordinary creatures, ancient mysteries and unforgettable characters, while keeping the heart of the story deeply human. Having DNEG’s extraordinary creative talent behind us, together with Cappu Films’ international reach and commitment to the project, gives us an incredible foundation to realize that vision. We want ‘Sinbad’ to be more than a spectacular cinematic experience – we want it to be the kind of adventure that stays with audiences long after they leave the theater.”
The sales company’s rights cover parts of Asia, Europe, the CIS, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East and Africa, along with some Pacific island markets. China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, German-speaking Europe, Spain, Portugal, Turkey and Eastern Europe are all on the list.
The film reunites Cappu with Lucente after “Starbright.” Janice Woo of Cappu Films said that following their work together on that film, the company was excited to team with the director on a project of this scale. “DNEG’s involvement is particularly compelling for a fantasy adventure such as ‘Sinbad.’ We introduced the project to buyers in Busan and look forward to developing those conversations as the package comes together,” Woo said.
DNEG’s teams have won eight Oscars for visual effects, and the company’s credits include “Inception,” “Interstellar,” “Blade Runner 2049,” “Dune” and “Dune: Part Two.”
Lucente’s fantasy feature “Starbright” counts Ted Levine, John Rhys-Davies and Diego Boneta among its cast. He also directed the drama “Badland.” Cappu is separately handling international sales on “A Grim Life,” a supernatural thriller starring Joseph Mazzello and set at Los Angeles’ Cecil Hotel.
Cappu partners with independent filmmakers on both arthouse and commercial titles. Its catalog takes in horror, action, fantasy and arthouse fare, alongside library titles from Hong Kong’s Golden Era and TV series.