Universal Pictures continues to build on its strong relationships with filmmakers as it has closed a five-year exclusive deal with directing duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, collectively known as Daniels, and their partner producer Jonathan Wang. Daniels’ unique brand of award-winning storytelling across visual media platforms has spanned music, television and film, most recently with the hit Everything Everywhere All At Once, which has grossed over $100 million worldwide and became independent studio A24’s biggest film.
“The Daniels are creators who have evolved their craft with a distinct vision and a singular voice that is unmistakable across the spectrum of content competing for viewer attention,” said Donna Langley, president of ‘Universal Filmed Entertainment Group. “Their films are remarkably theatrical and with only two original projects under their belt, they’ve only scratched the surface of what they’re capable of as filmmakers. We are grateful that you have chosen to travel with us.”
The deal marks another high-profile director (or directors in this case) signing long-term deals with Universal Pictures, clearly showing Langley’s impact in building these strong relationships. Jordan Peele, whose thriller Nope just hit theaters, signed a similar five-year deal given his strong ties to the studio.
In addition to Everything Everywhere All At Once, Daniels and Wang have cultivated enviable resumes across music, television and film. The Daniels won the “Best Director” award at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival for their film Swiss Army Man, starring Paul Dano and Daniel Radcliffe. They have also made their mark on television projects directing episodes of Showtime’s On Becoming a God in Central Florida starring Kirsten Dunst and Comedy Central’s Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens. Daniels just announced that he will direct and EP a new half-hour comedy, Mason, for Showtime. The series, produced by A24, will be executive produced by Daniels, Wang, Steven Yeun, Nathan Min and Adam Kopp.
“We’re flattered, grateful and a little overwhelmed. Thanks to Donna, Jimmy, Peter, Michael and their entire Universal team for believing in us and our weird movies,” Daniels said. “To all the fans, thank you for making our races possible, we will try not to let you down.”
The Daniels are represented by Mosaic and Yorn, Levine, Barnes, Krintzman, Rubenstein, Kohner, Endlich and Gellman. Wang is represented by Granderson Des Rochers.