RTL Group's theatrical distribution arm Universum Film has picked up the German theatrical and video/DVD rights to Frank Coraci's Around The World In 80 Days which began shooting in Berlin yesterday.

Universum acquired the film from German rights trader Telepool and will now have to decide which of its physical distribution partners - Constantin Film, UIP or Central Film - will handle the film's release for Germany.

Asked who the film's North American distributor would be, producer Hal Lieberman replied: "We're strategising" and refused to be drawn on any start date.

He revealed, however, that a number of cameos are planned for the the latest adaptation of the Jules Verne classic action adventure including Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Cleese and director Wim Wenders. Steve Coogan plays Phileas Fogg alongside Jackie Chan as his sidekick Passepartout.

Others in the cast include French actress Cecile de France, Johnny Knoxville and Jim Broadbent as Fogg's rival.

With a reported budget of $100m, Around The World In 80 Days has attracted Euros 500,000 funding each from German regional funds Mitteldeutsche Medienfoerderung and Filmboard Berlin-Brandenburg, and a decision is pending on possible support from the German Federal Film Board (FFA).

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