Metrodome Distribution has acquired full UK rights to Peter Chan's action film The Warlords.

The film has earned $40m at its domestic box office, making it one of China's most successful domestic theatrical releases ever. Metrodome is looking to release the film nationwide later this year.

The Warlords has been nominated in 13 categories at the up-coming Hong Kong Film Awards, including a double nomination in the Best Actor category for Jet Li and Andy Lau. In March the film received an award for best visual effects at the Asian Film Awards.

The deal was handled for Metrodome by home entertainment general manager Tom Stewart, acquisitions and business affairs manager Kate Edwards, CEO Peter Urie, and by Wayne Duband for Wayne Duband Consulting Inc for Applause Pictures and Media Asia out of Hong Kong.

In 2008, Metrodome will distribute three of the most successful movies of the last two years at the Chinese box office, with The Warlords following on from the theatrical releases of Assembly in March and The Banquet this month.

Metrodome is working in conjunction with a number of international partners to help promote the movies, including the China Now! festival of Chinese culture in the UK.