Overview

• Paramount and Westbrook signed a first-look agreement focused on developing global, four-quadrant theatrical movies with franchise potential.
• Two titles moved into development under the deal: Sugar Bandits, adapted from Chuck Hogan’s Devils in Exile, and Rabbit Hole with Jon Spaihts attached to write.
• Sugar Bandits centers on an Iraq War veteran targeting Boston’s drug trade, with the project now housed at Paramount after prior setups elsewhere.
• Westbrook will base its operations on the Paramount lot in Hollywood as part of the arrangement.
• The move extends Paramount’s recent deal spree under Skydance ownership, including pacts with the Duffer Brothers and initiatives around Call of Duty and UFC rights, while reports leave open whether Smith will lead Sugar Bandits after earlier scheduling questions.