Thunder Road Films and Lit Entertainment Group have established TR/AK to focus on original stories and ambitious projects.
In a significant move for the entertainment industry, Thunder Road Films and Lit Entertainment Group have launched a new media company named TR/AK. This was officially announced by the founders on September 9, 2026. Basil Iwanyk and Erica Lee, both founders of Thunder Road Films, in collaboration with Adam Kolbrenner, founder of Lit Entertainment Group, have stated that TR/AK will prioritize original storytelling and creatively ambitious projects aimed at global audiences.
As highlighted in a report by Variety, TR/AK will focus on fostering creators and delivering original narratives across film and television. The intent is to develop commercially ambitious projects that resonate with viewers worldwide. The collaboration also aims to formalize a long-standing partnership among the founders, which has successfully crossed over into several high-profile films in recent years.
Thunder Road Films is known for its involvement in major projects, including the widely acclaimed "John Wick" franchise, and has supported numerous filmmakers, notably Taylor Sheridan in projects like "Wind River." Meanwhile, Lit Entertainment Group represents a robust lineup of creative talents, including writers from successful titles like "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Snowfall." Their combined history in producing films has generated substantial box office revenues, with Thunder Road's films grossing over $4.4 billion globally, while Lit’s clientele's projects have amassed more than $7 billion in global box office sales, alongside thousands of hours of television content.
The inaugural initiatives of TR/AK are closely tied to three upcoming films developed from speculative screenplays by Lit clients: "The Surgeon," starring Michelle Yeoh, will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival; "Day Drinker" features a star-studded cast including Johnny Depp and is set for a March 2027 release; and "By Any Means" will star Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II. The launch of this new media company marks an expansion of these successful collaborations, signaling a promising future for original storytelling in cinema.
Additionally, Thunder Road is actively in production on "Hivemind," featuring actors Samara Weaving and Nicholas Braun, while its future slate includes high-profile projects like "The Peasant" from A24 and "The Kellys," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, among others.
The establishment of TR/AK Media signifies a strategic collaboration between two proven entities in the entertainment industry. This venture could enhance their ability to produce unique and ambitious content designed to captivate a global audience. As both companies continue to operate independently, the partnership may lead to innovative storytelling opportunities that leverage their combined expertise and resources. The industry will be watching closely as TR/AK begins its journey to reshape narratives and inspire creators in the coming years.
For more updates, you may also check our articles on the launch of TR/AK Media or explore upcoming projects from Thunder Road and Lit Entertainment.
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