Phase 4 Films has acquired US and Canadian rights to British family comedy Horrid Henry: The Movie

Phase 4 Films has acquired US and Canadian rights to British family comedy Horrid Henry: The Movie from sales agent Protagonist Pictures.

Phase 4 said it is “tentatively” planning a day-and-date theatrical and VOD release for the film - which has already grossed $10.5m (£6.6m) at the UK box office - under the company’s Kaboom! Entertainment kids and family label.

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Based on Francesca Simon’s popular children’s book series, Horrid Henry stars Theo Stevenson, Anjelica Huston and Richard E Grant in the story of a lazy schoolboy who ends up saving the school he claims to hate.

Nick Moore directed, Rupert Preston and Lucinda Whiteley served as producers and Allan Niblo and Mike Watts executive produced the Vertigo Films / Novel Entertainment co-production.

Phase 4 president and CEO Berry Meyerowitz commented: “With the tremendous success this film has had overseas and the ongoing popularity of Francesca Simon’s books, we are delighted to bring Horrid Henry: The Movie to a North American audience.”

The deal was negotiated by Larry Greenberg, SVP of acquisitions and Sam Posner, director of business and legal affairs for Phase 4, with Ben Roberts and Simon Osborn from Protagonist Pictures on behalf of the filmmakers.