Kingdom comes to Lionsgate

US studio Lionsgate has signed a multiplatform first-look deal with Andrew and Jon Erwin and their producing partner Kevin Downes, the trio behind faith-based movie I Can Only Imagine.

Jon (left) and Andrew Erwin

The trio will develop, produce and direct feature films and TV programming for Lionsgate under their newly created Kingdom banner.

In a statement, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chairman Joe Drake and TV Group chairman Kevin Beggs said the deal “underscores our ongoing commitment to serve moviegoers with premium faith-based content.”

“We look forward to working with the Erwin Brothers and Kevin on film and television projects that resonate not only with the faith-based community but with viewers everywhere.”

Jon Erwin added: “Our dream for launching Kingdom is to create the most trusted and respected brand in faith-based entertainment. We needed a partner that would catch that dream with us and Lionsgate is the perfect fit.”

“Our creative ambition and directing sweet spot is to tell redemptive, inspirational stories that appeal to audiences everywhere. We need optimism and hope more than ever today, and those are the stories we love to tell,” added Andrew Erwin.