Beaks here...

Matthew Vaughn's big KICK-ASS Comic Con gamble has paid off. After winning over the Hall H faithful with scenes from his rambunctious, independently financed adaptation of the Mark Millar/John Romita, Jr. graphic novel, Vaughn and his team have struck a deal with Lionsgate to distribute the film theatrically in 2010! This after every studio in town initially passed on the project due to concerns with the R-rated violence, particularly as it is perpetrated by the eleven-year-old costumed killing machine, Hit Girl.

There's no word on when in 2010 we'll get to see KICK-ASS just yet. When I spoke to Vaughn last month, he stated a preference for launching in March (like 300 or THE MATRIX), which sounds perfect for a modestly-budgeted superhero movie like this. That said, given the ridiculously high test scores the film racked up earlier this year, I have a feeling KICK-ASS will do well regardless of when it hits theaters. Still, y'know, the sooner the better...

Paramount and Universal were also in the hunt to acquire KICK-ASS.

Here's the official press release from Lionsgate.

LIONSGATE® SET TO KICK-ASS WITH FILMMAKER MATTHEW VAUGHN’S HOTLY ANTICIPATED SUPERHERO ACTION COMEDY

Studio Acquires U.S. And Canadian Rights To Comic Book Adaptation From
Director of LAYER CAKE and STARDUST

Buzz Sensation At 2009 Comic-Con, It Stars Nicolas Cage, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Breakout Stars Aaron Johnson and Chloë Moretz

SANTA MONICA, CA (August 17, 2009) – LIONSGATE® (NYSE: LGF), the leading next generation studio, announced today that it has acquired U.S. and Canadian distribution rights to KICK-ASS, the hotly anticipated action-comedy from writer/director Matthew Vaughn (LAYER CAKE, STARDUST). Based on the groundbreaking, best-selling comic by Mark Millar and John Romita Jr., KICK-ASS stars Nicolas Cage (the upcoming SEASON OF THE WITCH, KNOWING, NATIONAL TREASURE), rising star Aaron Johnson (the upcoming NOWHERE BOY), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (SUPERBAD) and Chloë Moretz ((500) DAYS OF SUMMER). The screenplay is written by Vaughn and Jane Goldman. The producers are Matthew Vaughn, Brad Pitt, Tarquin Pack and Kris Thykier; Millar and Romita Jr. are co-producers. The announcement was made today by Joe Drake, Lionsgate President, Motion Picture Group, and Co-Chief Operating Officer, and Jason Constantine, Lionsgate President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions.

KICK-ASS was the buzz sensation of the July Comic-Con in San Diego, where early footage was shown to wildly appreciative fans. The film is a privately financed independent production from Vaughn’s Marv Films and Plan B Entertainment, and is currently in post-production. Lionsgate anticipates a wide release in 2010.

Said Constantine, “Matthew Vaughn is an amazing talent and a true original, and he has brought a whole new mindset to the action genre with KICK-ASS. KICK-ASS redefines the boundaries in terms of humor, action, story, character and tone -- it’s the kind of movie that reminds us of why we go to the movies in the first place. Lionsgate is thrilled to bring KICK-ASS home to give it the next-generation launching pad it deserves.”

Said Vaughn, “Making and financing KICK-ASS has been an amazing experience, and we’ve had two important goals from the start: make a singularly entertaining film and find the right studio to release it. With Lionsgate, I know that I’ve got a supportive and fearless team behind me. It’s going to be fun working together to bring the film to audiences and those who are already fans of the comic book.”

Said Pack, “The massive response we received at Comic-Con has been hugely important in launching the next wave of momentum for the film, and Lionsgate’s marketing and distribution talents are a perfect fit for us. Lionsgate is a studio that is not afraid to do things differently, and that is the attitude that has characterized KICK-ASS from the very start.”

The deal was negotiated for Lionsgate by Constantine, Eda Kowan, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Wendy Jaffe, Executive Vice President Business & Legal Affairs, Acquisitions and Co-Productions; and by WME and Matthew Johnson of Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca, Fischer, Gilbert-Lurie, Stiffelman, Cook, Johnson, Lande & Wolf LLP, on behalf of the filmmakers.

SYNOPSIS

A twisted, funny, high-octane adventure, director Matthew Vaughn brings KICK-ASS to the big screen.

KICK-ASS tells the story of average teenager Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson), a comic-book fanboy who decides to take his obsession as inspiration to become a real-life superhero. As any good superhero would, he chooses a new name -- Kick-Ass -- assembles a suit and mask to wear, and gets to work fighting crime. There’s only one problem standing in his way: Kick-Ass has absolutely no superpowers.

His life is forever changed as he inspires a subculture of copy cats, is hunted by assorted violent and unpleasant characters, and meets up with a pair of crazed vigilantes, including an 11-year-old sword-wielding dynamo, Hit Girl (Chloë Moretz) and her father, Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage).