Tokyo Broadcasting System will make a strategic investment in Legendary Entertainment, producer of the Dune and Godzilla series, giving Hollywood companies access to more Japanese intellectual property.
TBS, which operates broadcast networks, streaming platforms, production studios and a broad entertainment portfolio, has acquired a $150 million minority ownership stake in Legendary, led by CEO Josh Glaude and chief creative Mary Parent. Legendary Leadership and Apollo Funds will remain co-owners of a majority stake in the studio. This partnership is non-exclusive across content areas.
“For decades, TBS has played a central role in collaborating with all members of Japan’s creative ecosystem, from multiple publishers to animators to writers and artists. TBS’s position in the local market has made it an exciting place for collaboration. “We look forward to working with TBS to expand our relationship in Japan and help expand the global reach of TBS’s rich IP around the world in a way that respects and celebrates talented creators.”
TBS’s portfolio also includes The Seven, the production company behind Netflix’s series such as Alice in Wonderland and Yu Yu Hakusho (with offices both in Japan and elsewhere). Legendary’s slate includes plenty of Japanese IP across both theatrical films and shows, including Godzilla x Kong: Supernova, Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, the recently finished Street Fighter, and previously produced Detective Pikachu.
Yayoi Nakatani, Director and Chief Growth Officer of TBS Holdings, said, “We are excited to partner with Legendary, a world-class studio with an impressive track record of creating historic global hits. Legendary’s extraordinary creativity and proven ability to build and expand IP into global franchises will be an essential driver of our global strategy.”
