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|image = Basic Instinct Cannes 1992.jpg
|image = Basic Instinct Cannes 1992.jpg
|caption = Mario Kassar (right) with [[Paul Verhoeven|the director]] and stars of ''[[Basic Instinct]]'' at the [[1992 Cannes Film Festival]]
|caption = Mario Kassar (right) with [[Paul Verhoeven|the director]] and stars of ''[[Basic Instinct]]'' at the [[1992 Cannes Film Festival]]
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1951|10|10}}<ref name=nyt>[https://www.nytimes.com/movies/person/96838/Mario-Kassar/biography Mario Kassar biography at ''The New York Times'']</ref>
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|mf=yes|1951|10|10}}<ref name=nyt>[https://web.archive.org/web/20150226042053/http://www.nytimes.com/movies/person/96838/Mario-Kassar/biography Mario Kassar biography at ''The New York Times'']</ref>
|birth_place = [[Beirut]], [[Lebanon]]
|birth_place = [[Beirut]], [[Lebanon]]
|occupation = Film producer
|occupation = Film producer
|website = [http://mariokassar.com/ www.mariokassar.com]
|website = [http://mariokassar.com/ www.mariokassar.com]
}}
}}
'''Mario F. Kassar''' ({{lang-ar|ماريو قصار}}; born October 10, 1951<ref name=nyt/>) is a [[Lebanon|Lebanese]] [[film producer]] and industry executive whose projects are frequently in association with [[Andrew G. Vajna]]. He founded the now defunct [[Carolco Pictures]].
'''Mario F. Kassar''' ({{lang-ar|ماريو قصار}}; born October 10, 1951<ref name=nyt/>) is a [[Lebanon|Lebanese]]-American [[film producer]] and industry executive who produced the first three films of the ''[[Rambo (film series)|Rambo]]'' series, ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'', ''[[Total Recall (1990 film)|Total Recall]]'', ''[[The Doors (film)|The Doors]], [[Angel Heart]]'', ''[[Jacob's Ladder (1990 film)|Jacob's Ladder]], [[Rambling Rose (film)|Rambling Rose]], [[Basic Instinct]], [[Universal Soldier (1992 film)|Universal Soldier]], [[Chaplin (film)|Chaplin]], [[Showgirls]],'' and ''[[Stargate (film)|Stargate]],'' among other films.


He founded the now-defunct [[Carolco Pictures]] with [[Andrew G. Vajna]].
==Early life==
Kassar was born on October 10, 1951 in [[Beirut]], [[Lebanon]].<ref name=nyt/><ref name=dofg>{{cite web|last=Lambie|first=Ryan|title=The rise and fall of Carolco|date= 11 March 2014|publisher=[[Den of Geek]]|url=http://www.denofgeek.us/movies/carolco/233689/the-rise-and-fall-of-carolco|accessdate=25 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=newsweek>{{cite magazine|last=Hammer|first=Joshua|title=Total Free Fall|date=8 March 1992|magazine=[[Newsweek]]|url=http://www.newsweek.com/total-free-fall-195938|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last2=Cieply|first2=Michael|last1=Citron|first1=Alan|title=Judges Freezes Mario Kassar's Carolco Shares : Entertainment: The film studio chairman, who bought the stock at a premium, was rebuked for enriching himself at the company's expense.|date=21 December 1990|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1990-12-21/business/fi-7074_1_chairman-mario-kassar|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Citron|first=Alan|title=Like Carolco, Studio's Boss Trims Sails : Entertainment: Emblematic of the company's cost cutting, Mario Kassar is without his 203-foot yacht at this year's Cannes Film Festival.|date=11 May 1992|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1992-05-11/business/fi-1320_1_cannes-film-festival|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> Like him, his father was also an independent movie producer.<ref name=dofg/> Kassar is of [[Lebanese people|Lebanese]] and [[Italians|Italian]] descent.<ref name=ew/>


== Early life ==
At the age of 15, Kassar had purchased several [[Italian language|Italian]] and [[French language|French]] films for distribution in the [[Far East]].<ref name=dofg/><ref name=weminoredinfilm>{{cite web|last=Konda|first=Kelly|title=HOLY CRAP! CAROLCO PICTURES IS BACK & THEY’RE RE-MAKING TAKASHI MIIKE’S AUDITION|date=22 January 2015|url=http://weminoredinfilm.com/2015/01/22/holy-crap-carolco-pictures-is-back-theyre-re-making-takashi-miikes-audition/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>
Kassar was born on October 10, 1951, in [[Beirut]], [[Lebanon]].<ref name=nyt/><ref name=dofg>{{cite web|last=Lambie|first=Ryan|title=The rise and fall of Carolco|date= 11 March 2014|publisher=[[Den of Geek]]|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/the-rise-and-fall-of-carolco/|accessdate=25 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=newsweek>{{cite magazine|last=Hammer|first=Joshua|title=Total Free Fall|date=8 March 1992|magazine=[[Newsweek]]|url=https://www.newsweek.com/total-free-fall-195938|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last2=Cieply|first2=Michael|last1=Citron|first1=Alan|title=Judges Freezes Mario Kassar's Carolco Shares : Entertainment: The film studio chairman, who bought the stock at a premium, was rebuked for enriching himself at the company's expense.|date=21 December 1990|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-12-21-fi-7074-story.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Citron|first=Alan|title=Like Carolco, Studio's Boss Trims Sails : Entertainment: Emblematic of the company's cost cutting, Mario Kassar is without his 203-foot yacht at this year's Cannes Film Festival.|date=11 May 1992|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-11-fi-1320-story.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> Like him, his father was also an independent movie producer.<ref name=dofg/> Kassar is of [[Lebanese people|Lebanese]] and [[Italians|Italian]] descent.<ref name=ew/>


At the age of 15, Kassar had purchased several [[Italian language|Italian]] and [[French language|French]] films for distribution in the [[Far East]].<ref name=dofg/><ref name=weminoredinfilm>{{cite web|last=Konda|first=Kelly|title=HOLY CRAP! CAROLCO PICTURES IS BACK & THEY'RE RE-MAKING TAKASHI MIIKE'S AUDITION|date=22 January 2015|url=https://weminoredinfilm.com/2015/01/22/holy-crap-carolco-pictures-is-back-theyre-re-making-takashi-miikes-audition/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>
==Carolco Pictures==
===1970s and Vajna===
Kassar met [[Andrew G. Vajna]] at the [[1975 Cannes Film Festival]].<ref name=dofg/> A year later, Kassar and Vajna founded [[Carolco Pictures]].<ref name=nyt/><ref name=dofg/><ref name=weminoredinfilm/><ref name=mynewsla/><ref name=streetinsider/><ref name=freelibrary/><ref name=geek/><ref name=kftv/><ref name=geeknation>{{cite web|last=Clow|first=Chris|title=EXCLUSIVE: Producer Felissa Rose Talks Return of Iconic Action Movie Studio Carolco Pictures|date=24 January 2015|publisher=[[GeekNation]]|url=http://geeknation.com/exclusive-producer-felissa-rose-talks-return-of-iconic-action-movie-studio-carolco-pictures/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> "Carolco" was a name they had taken from a long-defunct company based in [[Panama]]. "We just bought the name," Kassar later told ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''. "It means nothing."<ref name=dofg/><ref name=ew/><ref name=weminoredinfilm/>


== Carolco Pictures ==
The first film Kassar and Vajna ventured together was ''[[The Sicilian Cross]]'', a 1976 [[Italian language|Italian]] film that starred [[Roger Moore]]. They bought the rights to the film for $130,000. Kassar flew to [[Asia]] and sold it for $220,000.<ref name=ew/> By the early 1980s, Vajna and Kassar had bought a small office in [[Melrose Avenue]]. Their desks faced each other in the office and Vajna's wife and Kassar's girlfriend were their secretaries.<ref name=ew/> Kassar and Vajna served as executive producers on ''[[The Changeling (1980 film)|The Changeling]]'' (1980), ''[[The Amateur (1981 film)|The Amateur]]'' (1981), and ''[[Escape to Victory]]'' (1981). The latter film marked the first time for both Kassar and Vajna to have worked with [[Sylvester Stallone]].<ref name=dofg/>
=== 1970s and Vajna ===
Kassar met [[Andrew G. Vajna]] at the [[1975 Cannes Film Festival]].<ref name=dofg/> A year later, Kassar and Vajna founded [[Carolco Pictures]].<ref name=nyt/><ref name=dofg/><ref name=weminoredinfilm/><ref name=mynewsla/><ref name=streetinsider/><ref name=freelibrary/><ref name=geek/><ref name=kftv/><ref name=geeknation>{{cite web|last=Clow|first=Chris|title=EXCLUSIVE: Producer Felissa Rose Talks Return of Iconic Action Movie Studio Carolco Pictures|date=24 January 2015|publisher=[[GeekNation]]|url=http://geeknation.com/exclusive-producer-felissa-rose-talks-return-of-iconic-action-movie-studio-carolco-pictures/|accessdate=26 February 2015|archive-date=17 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161117022147/http://geeknation.com/exclusive-producer-felissa-rose-talks-return-of-iconic-action-movie-studio-carolco-pictures/|url-status=dead}}</ref> "Carolco" was a name they had taken from a long-defunct company based in [[Panama]]. "We just bought the name," Kassar later told ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''. "It means nothing."<ref name=dofg/><ref name=ew/><ref name=weminoredinfilm/>


The first film Kassar and Vajna ventured together was ''[[The Sicilian Cross]]'', a 1976 [[Italian language|Italian]] film that starred [[Roger Moore]]. They bought the rights to the film for $130,000. Kassar flew to [[Asia]] and sold it for $220,000.<ref name=ew/> By the early 1980s, Vajna and Kassar had bought a small office in [[Melrose Avenue]]. Their desks faced each other in the office and Vajna's wife and Kassar's girlfriend were their secretaries.<ref name=ew/> Kassar and Vajna served as executive producers on ''[[The Changeling (1980 film)|The Changeling]]'' (1980), ''[[The Amateur (1981 film)|The Amateur]]'' (1981), and ''[[Escape to Victory]]'' (1981). The latter film marked the first time for both Kassar and Vajna to have worked with [[Sylvester Stallone]].<ref name=dofg/>
===1980s and ''Rambo''===
In 1980, Kassar and Vajna paid [[Warner Bros.]] approximately $383,000 for the [[Option (filmmaking)|option]] rights of [[David Morrell]]'s 1972 novel, ''[[First Blood (novel)|First Blood]]''.<ref name=ew>{{cite magazine|last=Fierman|first=Daniel|title=How two once-hot producers stopped getting action|date=30 April 2004|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2004/04/30/how-two-once-hot-producers-stopped-getting-action|accessdate=25 February 2015}}</ref> Even though they overpaid him, Kassar and Vajna cast Stallone as [[John Rambo]] because they knew the actor's star status could be used to secure the requisite investment. The result, ''[[First Blood]]'', was a major hit in October 1982, and eventually made $125 million on its $14 million investment, making Carolco a major Hollywood production company.<ref name=dofg/><ref name=weminoredinfilm/><ref name=geeknation/> According to the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', a [[Lebanese people|Lebanese]] group associated with Kassar's family was instrumental in financing the film.<ref>{{cite news|last=Delugach|first=Al|title=Carolco Seeks Life Beyond 'Rambo' Films|date=31 May 1987|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1987-05-31/business/fi-9501_1_carolco-pictures|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>


=== 1980s and ''Rambo'' ===
From the mid to late 1980s, Kassar executive produced [[Rambo (film series)|two Rambo sequels]]: ''[[Rambo: First Blood Part II]]'' (1985) and ''[[Rambo III]]'' (1988), both of them also released by Carolco.<ref name=dofg/><ref name=mynewsla>{{cite web|last=Park|first=Colleen|title=‘Rambo,’ ‘Terminator’ producer Mario Kassar returns to Carolco Pictures|date=17 February 2015|url=http://mynewsla.com/hollywood/2015/02/17/producer-mario-kassar-returns-carolco-pictures-board-chairman/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=freelibrary/><ref name=bbc>{{cite web|last=Pierce|first=Nev|title=Mario Kassar; Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines|date=24 July 2003|publisher=[[BBC]]|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/07/24/mario_kassar_terminator_3_interview.shtml|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> Kassar also executive produced ''[[Angel Heart]]'' (1987) and ''[[Johnny Handsome]]'' (1989), as well as having produced ''[[Red Heat (1988 film)|Red Heat]]'' (1988).<ref name=streetinsider/><ref name=bbc/>
In 1980, Kassar and Vajna paid [[Warner Bros.]] approximately $383,000 for the [[Option (filmmaking)|option]] rights of [[David Morrell]]'s 1972 novel, ''[[First Blood (novel)|First Blood]]''.<ref name=ew>{{cite magazine|last=Fierman|first=Daniel|title=How two once-hot producers stopped getting action|date=30 April 2004|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2004/04/30/how-two-once-hot-producers-stopped-getting-action|accessdate=25 February 2015}}</ref> Even though they overpaid him, Kassar and Vajna cast Stallone as [[John Rambo]] because they knew the actor's star status could be used to secure the requisite investment. The result, ''[[First Blood]]'', was a major hit in October 1982, and eventually made $125 million on its $14 million investment, making Carolco a major Hollywood production company.<ref name=dofg/><ref name=weminoredinfilm/><ref name=geeknation/> According to the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'', a [[Lebanese people|Lebanese]] group associated with Kassar's family was instrumental in financing the film.<ref>{{cite news|last=Delugach|first=Al|title=Carolco Seeks Life Beyond 'Rambo' Films|date=31 May 1987|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-05-31-fi-9501-story.html|access-date=26 February 2015}}</ref>

From the mid to late 1980s, Kassar executive produced [[Rambo (film series)|two Rambo sequels]]: ''[[Rambo: First Blood Part II]]'' (1985) and ''[[Rambo III]]'' (1988), both of them also released by Carolco.<ref name=dofg/><ref name=mynewsla>{{cite web|last=Park|first=Colleen|title='Rambo,' 'Terminator' producer Mario Kassar returns to Carolco Pictures|date=17 February 2015|url=https://mynewsla.com/hollywood/2015/02/17/producer-mario-kassar-returns-carolco-pictures-board-chairman/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=freelibrary/><ref name=bbc>{{cite web|last=Pierce|first=Nev|title=Mario Kassar; Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines|date=24 July 2003|publisher=[[BBC]]|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2003/07/24/mario_kassar_terminator_3_interview.shtml|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> Kassar also executive produced ''[[Angel Heart]]'' (1987) and ''[[Johnny Handsome]]'' (1989), as well as having produced ''[[Red Heat (1988 film)|Red Heat]]'' (1988).<ref name=streetinsider/><ref name=bbc/>


"They knew the international distribution business so well," remembers [[Alan Parker]], who directed ''Angel Heart'' for Carolco. "They figured out that 60 percent of the revenue of a film comes from outside the U.S. market. Andy and Mario personally knew all the worldwide local independent distributors."<ref name=ew/>
"They knew the international distribution business so well," remembers [[Alan Parker]], who directed ''Angel Heart'' for Carolco. "They figured out that 60 percent of the revenue of a film comes from outside the U.S. market. Andy and Mario personally knew all the worldwide local independent distributors."<ref name=ew/>


In 1989, Vajna left Carolco and sold his interests to Kassar.<ref name=nyt/> "After ''Rambo'', we were trying to become a major studio. I felt that was the wrong direction," Vajna told ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''. "My feelings were very negative and it caused a lot of friction between Mario, myself, and Peter (Hoffman), who was by then Mario's right hand. I disagreed with where they wanted to go, and Peter played our egos against each other. He wanted to be a partner." Kassar and Vajna's partnership had fallen apart that year, and the latter was paid approximately $100 million for his share in the company. Kassar carried on with Peter Hoffman, who was president/chief executive of Carolco at the time since 1986. Hoffman had been introduced to Kassar by [[Tom Pollock]], who would later become head of [[Universal Studios]].<ref name=dofg/><ref name=newsweek/><ref name=weminoredinfilm/>
In 1989, Vajna left Carolco and sold his interests to Kassar.<ref name=nyt/> "After ''Rambo'', we were trying to become a major studio. I felt that was the wrong direction," Vajna told ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''. "My feelings were very negative and it caused a lot of friction between Mario, myself, and Peter (Hoffman), who was by then Mario's right hand. I disagreed with where they wanted to go, and Peter played our egos against each other. He wanted to be a partner." Kassar and Vajna's partnership had fallen apart that year, and the latter was paid approximately $100 million for his share in the company. Kassar carried on with Peter Hoffman, who was president/chief executive of Carolco at the time since 1986. Hoffman had been introduced to Kassar by [[Tom Pollock]], who would later become head of [[Universal Studios]].<ref name=dofg/><ref name=newsweek/><ref name=weminoredinfilm/>


[[Dino De Laurentiis]]'s defunct studio, [[De Laurentiis Entertainment Group]], along with its headquarters in [[Wilmington, North Carolina]] was purchased by Hoffman at Kassar's urging.<ref name=newsweek/>
[[Dino De Laurentiis]]'s defunct studio, [[De Laurentiis Entertainment Group]], along with its headquarters in [[Wilmington, North Carolina]] was purchased by Hoffman at Kassar's urging.<ref name=newsweek/>


===1990s and Hoffman===
=== 1990s and Hoffman ===
Films that Kassar executive produced during the 1990s included ''[[Total Recall (1990 film)|Total Recall]]'' (1990), ''[[Air America (film)|Air America]]'' (1990), ''[[Narrow Margin]]'' (1990), ''[[L.A. Story]]'' (1991), ''[[The Doors (film)|The Doors]]'' (1991), ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'' (1991), ''[[Rambling Rose (film)|Rambling Rose]]'' (1991), ''[[Basic Instinct]]'' (1992), ''[[Cliffhanger (film)|Cliffhanger]]'' (1993), ''[[Stargate (film)|Stargate]]'' (1994), ''[[Last of the Dogmen]]'' (1995), ''[[Showgirls]]'' (1995) and ''[[Cutthroat Island]]'' (1995). Kassar also produced ''[[Universal Soldier (1992 film)|Universal Soldier]]'' (1992) and ''[[Chaplin (film)|Chaplin]]'' (1992).<ref name=dofg/><ref name=mynewsla/><ref name=streetinsider>{{cite web|title=Mario Kassar Returns As Carolco Pictures' Chairman Of The Board Of Directors|date=17 February 2015|url=http://www.streetinsider.com/Press+Releases/Mario+Kassar+Returns+As+Carolco+Pictures%27+Chairman+Of+The+Board+Of+Directors/10278315.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=freelibrary/><ref name=stockguru>{{cite web|title=News: Brick Top Productions Enters Agreement with Mario Kassar|date=24 November 2014|url=http://stockguru.com/2014/11/24/news-brick-top-productions-enters-agreement-with-mario-kassar/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=4traders>{{cite web|title=Brick Top Productions : Enters Agreement with Mario Kassar Producer and Executive Producer of Motion Picture World-Wide Blockbusters for Over 30 Years|date=24 November 2014|url=http://www.4-traders.com/BRICK-TOP-PRODUCTIONS-INC-12324461/news/Brick-Top-Productions--Enters-Agreement-with-Mario-Kassar-Producer-and-Executive-Producer-of-Motion-19444737/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=gtnnews/><ref name=baystreet/><ref name=fashiontimes>{{cite web|last=Monzon|first=Inigo|title=J-Horror ‘Audition’ Getting a Hollywood Remake|date=1 July 2014|publisher=Fashion Times|url=http://www.fashiontimes.com/articles/9195/20140701/j-horror-audition-getting-a-hollywood-remake.htm|accessdate=26 February 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227025651/http://www.fashiontimes.com/articles/9195/20140701/j-horror-audition-getting-a-hollywood-remake.htm|archivedate=27 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pecchia|first=David|title=Films now going into production:|date=11 June 1989|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1989-06-11/entertainment/ca-3028_1_frank-marshall-executive-producers-joe-banks|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pecchia|first=David|title=Films now going into production:|date=8 October 1989|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1989-10-08/entertainment/ca-228_1_film-west|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Turan|first=Kenneth|title=Dogmen' Charms With Its Familiarity|date=8 September 1995|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1995-09-08/entertainment/ca-43437_1_dogmen-familiarity-movie|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> During that time, relations between Kassar and Hoffman had degenerated into mistrust and [[antipathy]]. Hoffman thought Kassar's largesse was destroying the company; Kassar suspected Hoffman was scheming to depose him. Hoffman later resigned on March 1992 with a $1.8 million settlement.<ref name=newsweek/><ref name=bloombergbusiness/> A falling out that he had with Kassar was what caused Hoffman to resign.<ref>{{cite news|last=Citron|first=Alan|title=Ex-President of Carolco Starts Own Company|date=11 May 1992|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1992-05-11/business/fi-1328_1_entertainment-markets|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>
Films that Kassar executive produced during the 1990s included ''[[Total Recall (1990 film)|Total Recall]]'' (1990), ''[[Air America (film)|Air America]]'' (1990), ''[[Narrow Margin]]'' (1990), ''[[L.A. Story]]'' (1991), ''[[The Doors (film)|The Doors]]'' (1991), ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'' (1991), ''[[Rambling Rose (film)|Rambling Rose]]'' (1991), ''[[Basic Instinct]]'' (1992), ''[[Cliffhanger (film)|Cliffhanger]]'' (1993), ''[[Stargate (film)|Stargate]]'' (1994), ''[[Last of the Dogmen]]'' (1995), ''[[Showgirls]]'' (1995) and ''[[Cutthroat Island]]'' (1995). Kassar also produced ''[[Universal Soldier (1992 film)|Universal Soldier]]'' (1992) and ''[[Chaplin (film)|Chaplin]]'' (1992).<ref name=dofg/><ref name=mynewsla/><ref name=streetinsider>{{cite web|title=Mario Kassar Returns As Carolco Pictures' Chairman Of The Board Of Directors|date=17 February 2015|url=https://www.streetinsider.com/Press+Releases/Mario+Kassar+Returns+As+Carolco+Pictures%27+Chairman+Of+The+Board+Of+Directors/10278315.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=freelibrary/><ref name=stockguru>{{cite web|title=News: Brick Top Productions Enters Agreement with Mario Kassar|date=24 November 2014|url=http://stockguru.com/2014/11/24/news-brick-top-productions-enters-agreement-with-mario-kassar/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=4traders>{{cite web|title=Brick Top Productions : Enters Agreement with Mario Kassar Producer and Executive Producer of Motion Picture World-Wide Blockbusters for Over 30 Years|date=24 November 2014|url=https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BRICK-TOP-PRODUCTIONS-INC-12324461/news/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=gtnnews/><ref name=baystreet/><ref name=fashiontimes>{{cite web|last=Monzon|first=Inigo|title=J-Horror 'Audition' Getting a Hollywood Remake|date=1 July 2014|publisher=Fashion Times|url=http://www.fashiontimes.com/articles/9195/20140701/j-horror-audition-getting-a-hollywood-remake.htm|accessdate=26 February 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227025651/http://www.fashiontimes.com/articles/9195/20140701/j-horror-audition-getting-a-hollywood-remake.htm|archivedate=27 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pecchia|first=David|title=Films now going into production|date=11 June 1989|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-06-11-ca-3028-story.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Pecchia|first=David|title=Films now going into production|date=8 October 1989|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-10-08-ca-228-story.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Turan|first=Kenneth|title=Dogmen' Charms With Its Familiarity|date=8 September 1995|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-09-08-ca-43437-story.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> During that time, relations between Kassar and Hoffman had degenerated into mistrust and [[antipathy]]. Hoffman thought Kassar's largesse was destroying the company; Kassar suspected Hoffman was scheming to depose him. Hoffman later resigned in March 1992 with a $1.8 million settlement.<ref name=newsweek/><ref name=bloombergbusiness/> A falling out that he had with Kassar was what caused Hoffman to resign.<ref>{{cite news|last=Citron|first=Alan|title=Ex-President of Carolco Starts Own Company|date=11 May 1992|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-05-11-fi-1328-story.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>


"They're extraordinary men, but they couldn't prevent confusion, conflict and disintegration," says [[Daniel Melnick]], who produced Carolco's ''L.A. Story''.<ref name=newsweek/> "There were armed camps on both sides," recalls Melnick, who resigned from the Carolco board in April 1991.<ref name=bloombergbusiness/>
"They're extraordinary men, but they couldn't prevent confusion, conflict and disintegration," says [[Daniel Melnick]], who produced Carolco's ''L.A. Story''.<ref name=newsweek/> "There were armed camps on both sides," recalls Melnick, who resigned from the Carolco board in April 1991.<ref name=bloombergbusiness/>


Kassar paid $10 million to [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] for him to star in ''Total Recall'' and $15 million to [[Michael Douglas]] for him to star in ''Basic Instinct''. "(Kassar) was a big-time riverboat gambler," says [[Brian Grazer]], who coproduced the $43 million ''The Doors'' with Kassar.<ref name=newsweek/><ref>{{cite news|last=Easton|first=Nina J.|title=Hollywood's Billion-Dollar Man : Competing studios aren't exactly thrilled with Carolco Pictures' big-spending ways, but Mario Kassar says, hey, it works for him|date=23 September 1990|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1990-09-23/entertainment/ca-1806_1_mario-kassar|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> Kassar went as far as even giving Schwarzenegger his own airplane, which cost an additional $17 million.<ref name=weminoredinfilm/><ref name=bloombergbusiness>{{cite magazine|last=Grover|first=Ronald|title=Carolco May Be Headed For A Quick Dissolve|date=5 July 1992|magazine=[[Bloomberg Business]]|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/1992-07-05/carolco-may-be-headed-for-a-quick-dissolve|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> Eventually, a [[Los Angeles]] judge froze $2.2 million of Kassar's shares and limited his access to company accounts.<ref>{{cite news|title=Carolco Pictures Is Talking to Several Potential Investors|date=2 March 1991|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1991-03-02/business/fi-1711_1_carolco-pictures|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>
Kassar paid $10 million to [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] for him to star in ''Total Recall'' and $15 million to [[Michael Douglas]] for him to star in ''Basic Instinct''. "(Kassar) was a big-time riverboat gambler," says [[Brian Grazer]], who coproduced the $43 million ''The Doors'' with Kassar.<ref name=newsweek/><ref>{{cite news|last=Easton|first=Nina J.|title=Hollywood's Billion-Dollar Man : Competing studios aren't exactly thrilled with Carolco Pictures' big-spending ways, but Mario Kassar says, hey, it works for him|date=23 September 1990|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-09-23-ca-1806-story.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> Kassar went as far as even giving Schwarzenegger his own airplane, which cost an additional $17 million.<ref name=weminoredinfilm/><ref name=bloombergbusiness>{{cite magazine|last=Grover|first=Ronald|title=Carolco May Be Headed For A Quick Dissolve|date=5 July 1992|magazine=[[Bloomberg Business]]|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/1992-07-05/carolco-may-be-headed-for-a-quick-dissolve|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> Eventually, a [[Los Angeles]] judge froze $2.2 million of Kassar's shares and limited his access to company accounts.<ref>{{cite news|title=Carolco Pictures Is Talking to Several Potential Investors|date=2 March 1991|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-03-02-fi-1711-story.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>


Kassar attempted to produce the now [[Development hell|shelved]] ''Bartholomew vs. Neff'', a [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]] film which would have starred Stallone and [[John Candy]].<ref>{{cite news|title=SHORT TAKES : Stallone in Line for Comedy Role|date=30 July 1990|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1990-07-30/entertainment/ca-997_1_sylvester-stallone|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>
Kassar attempted to produce the now [[Development hell|shelved]] ''Bartholomew vs. Neff'', a [[John Hughes (filmmaker)|John Hughes]] film which would have starred Stallone and [[John Candy]].<ref>{{cite news|title=SHORT TAKES : Stallone in Line for Comedy Role|date=30 July 1990|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-07-30-ca-997-story.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>


Carolco lost about $47 million on ''Cutthroat Island'' and went into bankruptcy on November 1995, six weeks before the film was released to theatres. Nevertheless, Kassar received his $1 million fee.<ref name=independent>{{cite news|last=Jeffreys|first=Daniel|title=The vanity that led to a $100m bonfire|date=10 April 1996|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/the-vanity-that-led-to-a-100m-bonfire-1304053.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>
Carolco lost about $47 million on ''Cutthroat Island'' and went into bankruptcy in November 1995, six weeks before the film was released to theatres. Nevertheless, Kassar received his $1 million fee.<ref name=independent>{{cite news|last=Jeffreys|first=Daniel|title=The vanity that led to a $100m bonfire|date=10 April 1996|newspaper=[[The Independent]]|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/the-vanity-that-led-to-a-100m-bonfire-1304053.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>


==Post-bankruptcy==
== Post-bankruptcy ==
===Paramount and ''Lolita''===
=== Paramount and ''Lolita'' ===
In the wake of Carolco's collapse, Kassar shifted his employment to [[Paramount Pictures]]. [[Sherry Lansing]], chairman of Paramount, said: "I am thrilled that Mario will be making his new home at Paramount. Mario excels at producing major action-adventure films with high level directors and cast that have worldwide appeal. He also brings creative financial arrangements to the films he makes. We all look forward to our new relationship with him and the exciting projects he will bring to the studio."<ref name=freelibrary>{{cite web|title=MARIO KASSAR TO DEVELOP, PRODUCE FILMS FOR PARAMOUNT PICTURES|date=3 January 1996|publisher=[[The Free Library]]|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/MARIO+KASSAR+TO+DEVELOP,+PRODUCE+FILMS+FOR+PARAMOUNT+PICTURES-a017958446|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>
In the wake of Carolco's collapse, Kassar shifted his employment to [[Paramount Pictures]] and started Mario Kassar Productions.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bart|first=Peter|date=1996-01-15|title=Will Kassar's yacht & caviar style float at Par?|url=https://variety.com/1996/voices/columns/will-kassar-s-yacht-caviar-style-float-at-par-1117859534/|access-date=2021-01-15|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref> [[Sherry Lansing]], chairman of Paramount, said: "I am thrilled that Mario will be making his new home at Paramount. Mario excels at producing major action-adventure films with high level directors and cast that have worldwide appeal. He also brings creative financial arrangements to the films he makes. We all look forward to our new relationship with him and the exciting projects he will bring to the studio."<ref name=freelibrary>{{cite web|title=MARIO KASSAR TO DEVELOP, PRODUCE FILMS FOR PARAMOUNT PICTURES|date=3 January 1996|publisher=[[The Free Library]]|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/MARIO+KASSAR+TO+DEVELOP,+PRODUCE+FILMS+FOR+PARAMOUNT+PICTURES-a017958446|accessdate=26 February 2015|archive-date=16 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316004158/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/MARIO+KASSAR+TO+DEVELOP,+PRODUCE+FILMS+FOR+PARAMOUNT+PICTURES-a017958446|url-status=dead}}</ref>


Mario Kassar said: "I have the highest regard for Sherry Lansing and the rest of the Paramount team. Jon Dolgen and I have had a great working relationship for years. Since I've always worked outside the studio system, I am very happy to begin my post-Carolco career with a studio as flexible, dynamic and creative as Paramount. I can't wait to make films in such an environment."<ref name=freelibrary/>
Mario Kassar said: "I have the highest regard for Sherry Lansing and the rest of the Paramount team. Jon Dolgen and I have had a great working relationship for years. Since I've always worked outside the studio system, I am very happy to begin my post-Carolco career with a studio as flexible, dynamic and creative as Paramount. I can't wait to make films in such an environment."<ref name=freelibrary/>
Line 52: Line 54:
Kassar also executive produced ''[[Lolita (1997 film)|Lolita]]'' (1997), which was directed by [[Adrian Lyne]] and starred [[Jeremy Irons]], [[Melanie Griffith]] and [[Dominique Swain]].<ref name=freelibrary/><ref name=bbc/>
Kassar also executive produced ''[[Lolita (1997 film)|Lolita]]'' (1997), which was directed by [[Adrian Lyne]] and starred [[Jeremy Irons]], [[Melanie Griffith]] and [[Dominique Swain]].<ref name=freelibrary/><ref name=bbc/>


===C2 Pictures and Magnetik Media===
=== C2 Pictures and Magnetik Media ===
In 1998,<ref>{{cite news|last=Bates|first=James|title=Movie Producer Fined $5,000 in Tax Case|date=8 April 1998|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1998/apr/08/business/fi-37105|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> he reunited with Vajna again and together they founded [[C2 Pictures]], which produced ''[[I Spy (film)|I Spy]]'' (2002), ''[[Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines]]'' (2003) and ''[[Basic Instinct 2]]'' (2006).<ref name=dofg/><ref name=mynewsla/><ref name=streetinsider/> Kassar later confirmed on March 11, 2009 that as a result of the latter movie being a failure at the [[box office]], plans for a third chapter were shelved and C2 Pictures officially ended the ''Basic Instinct''/[[Catherine Tramell]] franchise.<ref name=moviehole>{{cite web|title=Exclusive : No more Basic Instinct for C2|date=11 March 2009|url=http://moviehole.net/200918112no-more-basic-instinct-for-c2|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> C2 Pictures was later disbanded afterwards and it was later revealed that Vajna and Kassar founded the company only for the purpose of reviving the ''[[Terminator (franchise)|Terminator]]'' franchise.<ref name=weminoredinfilm/>
In 1998,<ref>{{cite news|last=Bates|first=James|title=Movie Producer Fined $5,000 in Tax Case|date=8 April 1998|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-apr-08-fi-37105-story.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> he reunited with Vajna again and together they founded [[C2 Pictures]], which produced ''[[I Spy (2002 film)|I Spy]]'' (2002), ''[[Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines]]'' (2003) and ''[[Basic Instinct 2]]'' (2006).<ref name=dofg/><ref name=mynewsla/><ref name=streetinsider/> Kassar later confirmed on March 11, 2009, that as a result of the latter movie being a failure at the [[box office]], plans for a third chapter were shelved and C2 Pictures officially ended the ''Basic Instinct''/[[Catherine Tramell]] franchise.<ref name=moviehole>{{cite web|title=Exclusive : No more Basic Instinct for C2|date=11 March 2009|url=https://moviehole.net/200918112no-more-basic-instinct-for-c2|accessdate=26 February 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023255/http://moviehole.net/200918112no-more-basic-instinct-for-c2|url-status=dead}}</ref> C2 Pictures was later disbanded afterwards and it was later revealed that Vajna and Kassar founded the company only for the purpose of reviving the ''[[Terminator (franchise)|Terminator]]'' franchise.<ref name=weminoredinfilm/>


Kassar also co-founded [[Magnetik Media]] with Erick J. Feitshans and it was announced on May 15, 2007 that Magnetik Media signed ''[[3:10 to Yuma (2007 film)|3:10 to Yuma]]'' (2007) and ''[[The Forbidden Kingdom]]'' (2008) from [[Ryan Kavanaugh]]'s studio, [[Relativity Media]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Goodridge|first=Mike|title=Kassar, Feitshan form Magnetik, sign three from Relativity|date=15 May 2007|magazine=[[Screen Daily]]|url=http://www.screendaily.com/kassar-feitshan-form-magnetik-sign-three-from-relativity/4032423.article|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Hayes|first=Dade|title=Kassar, Feitshans form Magnetik|date=15 May 2007|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/news/kassar-feitshans-form-magnetik-1117964945/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>
Kassar also co-founded [[Magnetik Media]] with Erick J. Feitshans and it was announced on May 15, 2007, that Magnetik Media signed ''[[3:10 to Yuma (2007 film)|3:10 to Yuma]]'' (2007) and ''[[The Forbidden Kingdom]]'' (2008) from [[Ryan Kavanaugh]]'s studio, [[Relativity Media]].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Goodridge|first=Mike|title=Kassar, Feitshan form Magnetik, sign three from Relativity|date=15 May 2007|magazine=[[Screen Daily]]|url=https://www.screendaily.com/kassar-feitshan-form-magnetik-sign-three-from-relativity/4032423.article|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Hayes|first=Dade|title=Kassar, Feitshans form Magnetik|date=15 May 2007|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|url=https://variety.com/2007/film/news/kassar-feitshans-form-magnetik-1117964945/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>


===Late 2000s===
=== Late 2000s ===
According to ''[[Today's Zaman]]'', it was announced on August 7, 2008 that Kassar was reportedly collaborating with the [[Turkish Radio and Television Corporation]] on a [[miniseries]] that would recount the life of [[Suleiman the Magnificent]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kassar to film Sultan Suleiman’s life story|date=7 August 2008|newspaper=[[Today's Zaman]]|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/arts-culture_kassar-to-film-sultan-suleimans-life-story_149533.html|accessdate=26 February 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227045317/http://www.todayszaman.com/arts-culture_kassar-to-film-sultan-suleimans-life-story_149533.html|archivedate=27 February 2015}}</ref>
According to ''[[Today's Zaman]]'', it was announced on August 7, 2008, that Kassar was reportedly collaborating with the [[Turkish Radio and Television Corporation]] on a [[miniseries]] that would recount the life of [[Suleiman the Magnificent]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kassar to film Sultan Suleiman's life story|date=7 August 2008|newspaper=[[Today's Zaman]]|url=http://www.todayszaman.com/arts-culture_kassar-to-film-sultan-suleimans-life-story_149533.html|accessdate=26 February 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227045317/http://www.todayszaman.com/arts-culture_kassar-to-film-sultan-suleimans-life-story_149533.html|archivedate=27 February 2015}}</ref>


It was reported that Kassar also participated on ''[[Terminator Salvation]]'' (2009).<ref name=moviehole/> However, it was later revealed that he and Vajna sold the [[Terminator (franchise)|franchise]] to Derek Anderson and Victor Kubicek of the Halcyon Group in 2007. Kassar received $30 million for the purchase.<ref>{{cite web|title=Terminator rights up for sale again (but don't worry ... much)|date=28 September 2009|url=http://www.blastr.com/2009/09/terminator_rights_up_for.php|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=McNary|first=Dave|title=Pacificor nabs ‘Terminator’|date=9 February 2010|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|url=https://variety.com/2010/biz/news/pacificor-nabs-terminator-1118014933/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=McNary|first=Dave|title=Ellisons partner on next ‘Terminator’|date=3 December 2012|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/ellisons-partner-on-next-terminator-1118063043/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>
It was reported that Kassar also participated on ''[[Terminator Salvation]]'' (2009).<ref name=moviehole/> However, it was later revealed that he and Vajna sold the [[Terminator (franchise)|franchise]] to Derek Anderson and Victor Kubicek of the Halcyon Group in 2007. Kassar received $30 million for the purchase.<ref>{{cite web|title=Terminator rights up for sale again (but don't worry ... much)|date=28 September 2009|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/terminator_rights_up_for|accessdate=26 February 2015|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304000107/http://www.blastr.com/2009/09/terminator_rights_up_for.php|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=McNary|first=Dave|title=Pacificor nabs 'Terminator'|date=9 February 2010|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|url=https://variety.com/2010/biz/news/pacificor-nabs-terminator-1118014933/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=McNary|first=Dave|title=Ellisons partner on next 'Terminator'|date=3 December 2012|magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|url=https://variety.com/2012/film/news/ellisons-partner-on-next-terminator-1118063043/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>


===''Audition'' and Brick Top===
=== ''Audition'' and Brick Top ===
''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' announced on October 4, 2012 that Kassar was backing Schuyler Moore, who is helping raise $100 million for the [[Singapore]]-based Infiniti Media Fund.<ref>{{cite web|last2=Szalai|first2=Georg|last1=Bond|first1=Bond|title=Wall Street's Rocky Love Affair With the Movies|date=4 October 2012|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wall-street-love-affair-movies-375945|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>
''[[The Hollywood Reporter]]'' announced on October 4, 2012, that Kassar was backing Schuyler Moore, who is helping raise $100 million for the [[Singapore]]-based Infiniti Media Fund.<ref>{{cite web|last2=Szalai|first2=Georg|last1=Bond|first1=Bond|title=Wall Street's Rocky Love Affair With the Movies|date=4 October 2012|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wall-street-love-affair-movies-375945|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>


On June 2014, it was reported that Kassar will be producing an English language remake of [[Takashi Miike]]'s 1999 film, ''[[Audition (1999 film)|Audition]]'', which is based on the 1997 [[Audition (novel)|novel of the same name]] by [[Ryū Murakami]]. Kassar's remake will be set in the [[United States]] and will be written and directed by Richard Gray.<ref name=kftv>{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=Josh|title=Hollywood film studio Carolco reopens with horror drama|date=26 January 2015|url=http://www.kftv.com/news/2015/01/26/hollywood-film-studio-carolco-reopens-with-horror-drama|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=gtnnews>{{cite web|title=Deadline Hollywood Exclusive: Terminator, Basic Instinct Producer Piecing Together Audition Remake|date=28 January 2015|publisher=[[GTN News]]|url=http://www.mygtn.tv/story/27962032/deadline-hollywood-exclusive-terminator-basic-instinct-producer-piecing-together-audition-remake|accessdate=26 February 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227012401/http://www.mygtn.tv/story/27962032/deadline-hollywood-exclusive-terminator-basic-instinct-producer-piecing-together-audition-remake|archivedate=27 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=fashiontimes/><ref>{{cite web|last=Yamato|first=Jen|title=‘Terminator,’ ‘Basic Instinct’ Producer Piecing Together ‘Audition’ Remake|date=27 June 2014|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|url=https://deadline.com/2014/06/audition-remake-mario-kassar-murakami-miike-797419/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Myles|first=Sarah|title=Mario Kassar Setting Up Audition Remake|date=28 June 2014|url=https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/mario-kassar-setting-audition-remake/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Bustos|first=Kristina|title=Japanese horror Audition to get English-language remake|date=29 June 2014|website=[[Digital Spy]]|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/news/a581019/japanese-horror-audition-to-get-english-language-remake.html#~p5koxrVUxO9TbP|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Franklin|first=Garth|title="Audition" Remake In The Works|date=28 June 2014|publisher=[[Dark Horizons]]|url=http://www.darkhorizons.com/news/32738/-audition-remake-in-the-works|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>
In June 2014, it was reported that Kassar will be producing an English language remake of [[Takashi Miike]]'s 1999 film, ''[[Audition (1999 film)|Audition]]'', which is based on the 1997 [[Audition (novel)|novel of the same name]] by [[Ryū Murakami]]. Kassar's remake will be set in the [[United States]] and will be written and directed by Richard Gray.<ref name=kftv>{{cite web|last=Wilson|first=Josh|title=Hollywood film studio Carolco reopens with horror drama|date=26 January 2015|url=https://www.kftv.com/news/2015/01/26/hollywood-film-studio-carolco-reopens-with-horror-drama|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=gtnnews>{{cite web|title=Deadline Hollywood Exclusive: Terminator, Basic Instinct Producer Piecing Together Audition Remake|date=28 January 2015|publisher=[[GTN News]]|url=http://www.mygtn.tv/story/27962032/deadline-hollywood-exclusive-terminator-basic-instinct-producer-piecing-together-audition-remake|accessdate=26 February 2015|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227012401/http://www.mygtn.tv/story/27962032/deadline-hollywood-exclusive-terminator-basic-instinct-producer-piecing-together-audition-remake|archivedate=27 February 2015}}</ref><ref name=fashiontimes/><ref>{{cite web|last=Yamato|first=Jen|title='Terminator,' 'Basic Instinct' Producer Piecing Together 'Audition' Remake|date=27 June 2014|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|url=https://deadline.com/2014/06/audition-remake-mario-kassar-murakami-miike-797419/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Myles|first=Sarah|title=Mario Kassar Setting Up Audition Remake|date=28 June 2014|url=https://wegotthiscovered.com/movies/mario-kassar-setting-audition-remake/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Bustos|first=Kristina|title=Japanese horror Audition to get English-language remake|date=29 June 2014|website=[[Digital Spy]]|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a581019/japanese-horror-audition-to-get-english-language-remake/#~p5koxrVUxO9TbP|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Franklin|first=Garth|title="Audition" Remake In The Works|date=28 June 2014|publisher=[[Dark Horizons]]|url=https://www.darkhorizons.com/-audition-remake-in-the-works/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>


On November 24, 2014, [[Brick Top Productions]] had entered into an Executive Services Agreement with Kassar. [[Alexander Bafer]], Brick Top's CEO said, "There is no human being on this planet better than Mario Kassar at making true Hollywood blockbusters. I am honored with this opportunity to work with him."<ref name=stockguru/><ref name=4traders/>
On November 24, 2014, [[Brick Top Productions]] had entered into an Executive Services Agreement with Kassar. [[Alexander Bafer]], Brick Top's CEO said, "There is no human being on this planet better than Mario Kassar at making true Hollywood blockbusters. I am honored with this opportunity to work with him."<ref name=stockguru/><ref name=4traders/>


==Carolco relaunch==
== Carolco relaunch ==
On January 20, 2015, it was announced that Carolco Pictures was back when Brick Top acquired its name.<ref name=geek>{{cite web|last=Lambie|first=Ryan|title=Exclusive: CEO Alex Bafer Tells Us About The Return of Carolco|date=26 January 2015|publisher=[[Den of Geek]]|url=http://www.denofgeek.us/movies/carolco/243077/exclusive-ceo-alex-bafer-tells-us-about-the-return-of-carolco|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref> Brick Top Productions officially changed its corporate name to Carolco Pictures Inc.<ref name=baystreet>{{cite web|title=Carolco Pictures Label Returns for First Time in 20 Years|date=21 January 2015|url=http://www.baystreet.ca/viewarticle.aspx?id=425088|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>
On January 20, 2015, it was announced that Carolco Pictures was back when Brick Top acquired its name.<ref name=geek>{{cite web|last=Lambie|first=Ryan|title=Exclusive: CEO Alex Bafer Tells Us About The Return of Carolco|date=26 January 2015|publisher=[[Den of Geek]]|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/carolco/243077/exclusive-ceo-alex-bafer-tells-us-about-the-return-of-carolco|accessdate=26 February 2015|archive-date=17 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417065220/http://www.denofgeek.us/movies/carolco/243077/exclusive-ceo-alex-bafer-tells-us-about-the-return-of-carolco|url-status=dead}}</ref> Brick Top Productions officially changed its corporate name to Carolco Pictures Inc.<ref name=baystreet>{{cite web|title=Carolco Pictures Label Returns for First Time in 20 Years|date=21 January 2015|url=http://www.baystreet.ca/viewarticle.aspx?id=425088|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>


On February 17, 2015, it was announced that Kassar had returned as chairman of the board of directors of the currently relaunched Carolco Pictures. "One of my greatest joys in life was being the chairman of Carolco Pictures ... I am elated to return to that position, to produce the world's greatest movies once again under the Carolco brand for my fans and people everywhere to enjoy," Kassar said.<ref name=mynewsla/><ref name=streetinsider/>
On February 17, 2015, it was announced that Kassar had returned as chairman of the board of directors of the currently relaunched Carolco Pictures. "One of my greatest joys in life was being the chairman of Carolco Pictures ... I am elated to return to that position, to produce the world's greatest movies once again under the Carolco brand for my fans and people everywhere to enjoy," Kassar said.<ref name=mynewsla/><ref name=streetinsider/>


"The major difference between now and then are the advances in technology and cinematography not previously available to Carolco Pictures 20 years ago," Kassar said. "Combined with these advances ... the best movies I will ever produce are still yet to come." Alex Bafer, now Carolco Pictures’ CEO, said Kassar "is hands-down the world's greatest producer of mega-hit films. We couldn't be more excited than to have Mario return as the chairman of the board. Our goal now is to not only restore the Carolco brand back to its rightful place in Hollywood, but also to build an entirely new library of memorable films for today's generation."<ref name=mynewsla/><ref name=streetinsider/>
"The major difference between now and then are the advances in technology and cinematography not previously available to Carolco Pictures 20 years ago," Kassar said. "Combined with these advances ... the best movies I will ever produce are still yet to come." Alex Bafer, now Carolco Pictures’ CEO, said Kassar "is hands-down the world's greatest producer of mega-hit films. We couldn't be more excited than to have Mario return as the chairman of the board. Our goal now is to not only restore the Carolco brand back to its rightful place in Hollywood, but also to build an entirely new library of memorable films for today's generation."<ref name=mynewsla/><ref name=streetinsider/>
Line 78: Line 80:
In November 2017, the new Carolco was renamed Recall Studios.{{Citation needed|date= May 2018}}
In November 2017, the new Carolco was renamed Recall Studios.{{Citation needed|date= May 2018}}


==Personal life==
== Personal life ==
Kassar resides in [[Holmby Hills, Los Angeles|Holmby Hills]] with his wife Denise Richard-Kassar and their three daughters, Natasha, Tatiana and Anastasia.<ref name=newsweek/><ref>{{cite news|last=Apodaca|first=Patrice|title=On the Verge of a Showbiz Merger: The Big Picture : Film: Despite lawsuits, heavy spender Carolco Pictures will likely end up with the part of Live Entertainment it doesn't already own.|date=13 August 1991|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://articles.latimes.com/1991-08-13/business/fi-965_1_carolco-pictures|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>
Kassar resides in [[Holmby Hills, Los Angeles|Holmby Hills]] with his wife Denise Richard-Kassar and their three daughters, Natasha, Tatiana and Anastasia.<ref name=newsweek/><ref>{{cite news|last=Apodaca|first=Patrice|title=On the Verge of a Showbiz Merger: The Big Picture : Film: Despite lawsuits, heavy spender Carolco Pictures will likely end up with the part of Live Entertainment it doesn't already own.|date=13 August 1991|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-08-13-fi-965-story.html|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>

On November 14, 2013, it was reported by the ''[[New York Post]]'' that Kassar's name was apparently mentioned in an email exchange between [[Alec Baldwin]] and his stalker, Genevieve Sabourin.<ref>{{cite news|last=Rosenberg|first=Rebecca|title=Baldwin email to stalker: ‘Wear protection’|date=14 November 2013|newspaper=[[New York Post]]|url=https://nypost.com/2013/11/14/baldwin-email-to-stalker-wear-protection/|accessdate=26 February 2015}}</ref>

==Filmography==
''All films, he was producer unless otherwise noted.''
===Film===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Credit
|-
| 1980 || ''[[The Changeling (film)|The Changeling]]'' || Executive producer
|-
|rowspan=2| 1981 || ''[[Escape to Victory]]'' || Co-producer
|-
| ''[[The Amateur (1981 film)|The Amateur]]'' || Executive producer
|-
|rowspan=2| 1982 || ''[[Superstition (1982 film)|Superstition]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[First Blood]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| 1985 || ''[[Rambo: First Blood Part II]]'' || Executive producer
|-
|rowspan=2| 1987 || ''[[Angel Heart]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Extreme Prejudice (film)|Extreme Prejudice]]'' || Executive producer
|-
|rowspan=2| 1988 || ''[[Rambo III]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Red Heat (1988 film)|Red Heat]]'' || Executive producer
|-
|rowspan=2| 1989 || ''[[DeepStar Six]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Johnny Handsome]]'' || Executive producer
|-
|rowspan=6| 1990 || ''[[Mountains of the Moon (film)|Mountains of the Moon]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Total Recall (1990 film)|Total Recall]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Air America (film)|Air America]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Repossessed (film)|Repossessed]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Narrow Margin]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Jacob's Ladder (1990 film)|Jacob's Ladder]]'' || Executive producer
|-
|rowspan=4| 1991 || ''[[L.A. Story]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[The Doors (film)|The Doors]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Rambling Rose (film)|Rambling Rose]]'' || Executive producer
|-
|rowspan=4| 1992 || ''[[Light Sleeper]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Basic Instinct]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Universal Soldier (1992 film)|Universal Soldier]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Chaplin (film)|Chaplin]]'' ||
|-
|rowspan=2| 1993 || ''[[Cliffhanger (film)|Cliffhanger]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Heaven & Earth (1993 film)|Heaven & Earth]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| 1994 || ''[[Stargate (film)|Stargate]]'' || Executive producer
|-
|rowspan=3| 1995 || ''[[Last of the Dogmen]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Showgirls]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''[[Cutthroat Island]]'' || Executive producer
|-
| 1997 || ''[[Lolita (1997 film)|Lolita]]'' ||
|-
| 2002 || ''[[I Spy (film)|I Spy]]'' ||
|-
| 2003 || ''[[Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines]]'' ||
|-
| 2006 || ''[[Basic Instinct 2]]'' ||
|-
| 2009 || ''[[Terminator Salvation]]'' || Executive producer
|-
|rowspan=2| 2019 || ''Foxtrot Six'' || Executive producer
|-
| ''Z'' ||
|-
| <center>{{TableTBA}}</center> || ''The Z Team'' ||
|}

;Miscellaneous crew

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role
|-
| 1978 || ''[[The Silent Partner (1978 film)|The Silent Partner]]'' ||rowspan=24| Presenter
|-
| 1980 || ''[[The Changeling (film)|The Changeling]]''
|-
| 1981 || ''[[Your Ticket Is No Longer Valid]]''
|-
|rowspan=2| 1982 || ''[[Superstition (1982 film)|Superstition]]''
|-
| ''[[First Blood]]''
|-
| 1985 || ''[[Rambo: First Blood Part II]]''
|-
| 1987 || ''[[Extreme Prejudice (film)|Extreme Prejudice]]''
|-
| 1988 || ''[[Red Heat (1988 film)|Red Heat]]''
|-
|rowspan=2| 1989 || ''[[DeepStar Six]]''
|-
| ''[[Johnny Handsome]]''
|-
|rowspan=3| 1990 || ''[[Total Recall (1990 film)|Total Recall]]''
|-
| ''[[Air America (film)|Air America]]''
|-
| ''[[Narrow Margin]]''
|-
|rowspan=3| 1991 || ''[[L.A. Story]]''
|-
| ''[[The Doors (film)|The Doors]]''
|-
| ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]''
|-
|rowspan=4| 1992 || ''[[Light Sleeper]]''
|-
| ''[[Basic Instinct]]''
|-
| ''[[Universal Soldier (1992 film)|Universal Soldier]]''
|-
| ''[[Chaplin (film)|Chaplin]]''
|-
| 1993 || ''[[Cliffhanger (film)|Cliffhanger]]''
|-
|rowspan=2| 1995 || ''[[Last of the Dogmen]]''
|-
| ''[[Cutthroat Island]]''
|-
| 1997 || ''[[Lolita (1997 film)|Lolita]]''
|}

;As an actor

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role
|-
| 1981 || ''[[Your Ticket Is No Longer Valid]]'' || {{N/A|None}}
|}

;As writer

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film
|-
| 2019 || ''Habibie & Ainun 3''
|}

;Thanks

{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Notes
|-
| 1990 || ''[[Hamlet (1990 film)|Hamlet]]'' || Grateful acknowledgments ||
|-
| 2011 || ''[[Showgirls 2: Penny's from Heaven]]'' || Very special thanks || Direct-to-video
|}

===Television===
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Title
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Credit
|-
| 2008−09 || ''[[Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles]]'' || Executive producer
|}


== Filmography ==
;Thanks
'''Executive producer'''
{{colbegin|colwidth=22em}}
* ''[[The Changeling (film)|The Changeling]]'' (1980)
* ''[[The Amateur (1981 film)|The Amateur]]'' (1981)
* ''[[Superstition (1982 film)|Superstition]]'' (1982)
* ''[[First Blood]]'' (1982)
* ''[[Rambo: First Blood Part II]]'' (1985)
* ''[[Angel Heart]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Extreme Prejudice (film)|Extreme Prejudice]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Rambo III]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Red Heat (1988 film)|Red Heat]]'' (1988)
* ''[[DeepStar Six]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Johnny Handsome]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Mountains of the Moon (film)|Mountains of the Moon]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Total Recall (1990 film)|Total Recall]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Air America (film)|Air America]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Repossessed (film)|Repossessed]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Narrow Margin]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Jacob's Ladder (1990 film)|Jacob's Ladder]]'' (1990)
* ''[[L.A. Story]]'' (1991)
* ''[[The Doors (film)|The Doors]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Rambling Rose (film)|Rambling Rose]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Light Sleeper]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Basic Instinct]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Universal Soldier (1992 film)|Universal Soldier]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Cliffhanger (film)|Cliffhanger]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Heaven & Earth (1993 film)|Heaven & Earth]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Stargate (film)|Stargate]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Last of the Dogmen]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Showgirls]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Cutthroat Island]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles]]'' (2008–09)
* ''[[Terminator Salvation]]'' (2009)
* ''[[Foxtrot Six]]'' (2019)
{{colend}}
'''Producer'''
{{colbegin|colwidth=22em}}
* ''[[Chaplin (film)|Chaplin]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Lolita (1997 film)|Lolita]]'' (1997)
* ''[[I Spy (2002 film)|I Spy]]'' (2002)
* ''[[Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines]]'' (2003)
* ''[[Basic Instinct 2]]'' (2006)
* ''Z'' (2019)
* ''The Z Team'' (TBA)
{{colend}}
'''Writer'''
{{colbegin|colwidth=22em}}
* ''Habibie & Ainun 3'' (2019)
{{colend}}
'''Actor'''
{{colbegin|colwidth=22em}}
* ''[[Your Ticket Is No Longer Valid]]'' (1981)
{{colend}}


'''Presenter'''
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
{{colbegin|colwidth=22em}}
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year
* ''[[The Silent Partner (1978 film)|The Silent Partner]]'' (1978)
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Title
* ''[[The Changeling (film)|The Changeling]]'' (1980)
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role
* ''[[Your Ticket Is No Longer Valid]]'' (1981)
! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Notes
* ''[[Superstition (1982 film)|Superstition]]'' (1982)
|-
* ''[[First Blood]]'' (1982)
| 2007 || ''The Directors'' || Acknowledgment: Stills and clips provided by || Documentary
* ''[[Rambo: First Blood Part II]]'' (1985)
|}
* ''[[Extreme Prejudice (film)|Extreme Prejudice]]'' (1987)
* ''[[Red Heat (1988 film)|Red Heat]]'' (1988)
* ''[[DeepStar Six]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Johnny Handsome]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Total Recall (1990 film)|Total Recall]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Air America (film)|Air America]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Narrow Margin]]'' (1990)
* ''[[L.A. Story]]'' (1991)
* ''[[The Doors (film)|The Doors]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Terminator 2: Judgment Day]]'' (1991)
* ''[[Light Sleeper]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Basic Instinct]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Universal Soldier (1992 film)|Universal Soldier]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Chaplin (film)|Chaplin]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Cliffhanger (film)|Cliffhanger]]'' (1993)
* ''[[Last of the Dogmen]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Cutthroat Island]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Lolita (1997 film)|Lolita]]'' (1997)
{{colend}}
'''Thanks'''
{{colbegin|colwidth=22em}}
* ''[[Hamlet (1990 film)|Hamlet]]'' (1990)
* ''The Directors'' (2007) (Documentary)
* ''[[Showgirls 2: Penny's from Heaven]]'' (2011) (Direct-to-video)
{{colend}}


==References==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
* {{official|http://www.mariokassar.com/}}
* {{Official|http://www.mariokassar.com/}}
* {{IMDb name|0440830}}
* {{IMDb name|0440830}}


Line 293: Line 186:
[[Category:1951 births]]
[[Category:1951 births]]
[[Category:American film producers]]
[[Category:American film producers]]
[[Category:American people of Lebanese descent]]
[[Category:Lebanese emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:Lebanese emigrants to the United States]]
[[Category:Lebanese businesspeople]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Beirut]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Beirut]]
[[Category:Carolco Pictures]]
[[Category:Carolco Pictures]]
[[Category:People from Holmby Hills, Los Angeles]]
[[Category:People from Holmby Hills, Los Angeles]]
[[Category:American film production company founders]]
[[Category:Sony Pictures Animation people]]

Latest revision as of 07:38, 15 August 2024

Mario Kassar
Mario Kassar (right) with the director and stars of Basic Instinct at the 1992 Cannes Film Festival
Born (1951-10-10) October 10, 1951 (age 72)[1]
Beirut, Lebanon
OccupationFilm producer
Websitewww.mariokassar.com

Mario F. Kassar (Arabic: ماريو قصار; born October 10, 1951[1]) is a Lebanese-American film producer and industry executive who produced the first three films of the Rambo series, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Total Recall, The Doors, Angel Heart, Jacob's Ladder, Rambling Rose, Basic Instinct, Universal Soldier, Chaplin, Showgirls, and Stargate, among other films.

He founded the now-defunct Carolco Pictures with Andrew G. Vajna.

Early life

[edit]

Kassar was born on October 10, 1951, in Beirut, Lebanon.[1][2][3][4][5] Like him, his father was also an independent movie producer.[2] Kassar is of Lebanese and Italian descent.[6]

At the age of 15, Kassar had purchased several Italian and French films for distribution in the Far East.[2][7]

Carolco Pictures

[edit]

1970s and Vajna

[edit]

Kassar met Andrew G. Vajna at the 1975 Cannes Film Festival.[2] A year later, Kassar and Vajna founded Carolco Pictures.[1][2][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] "Carolco" was a name they had taken from a long-defunct company based in Panama. "We just bought the name," Kassar later told Entertainment Weekly. "It means nothing."[2][6][7]

The first film Kassar and Vajna ventured together was The Sicilian Cross, a 1976 Italian film that starred Roger Moore. They bought the rights to the film for $130,000. Kassar flew to Asia and sold it for $220,000.[6] By the early 1980s, Vajna and Kassar had bought a small office in Melrose Avenue. Their desks faced each other in the office and Vajna's wife and Kassar's girlfriend were their secretaries.[6] Kassar and Vajna served as executive producers on The Changeling (1980), The Amateur (1981), and Escape to Victory (1981). The latter film marked the first time for both Kassar and Vajna to have worked with Sylvester Stallone.[2]

1980s and Rambo

[edit]

In 1980, Kassar and Vajna paid Warner Bros. approximately $383,000 for the option rights of David Morrell's 1972 novel, First Blood.[6] Even though they overpaid him, Kassar and Vajna cast Stallone as John Rambo because they knew the actor's star status could be used to secure the requisite investment. The result, First Blood, was a major hit in October 1982, and eventually made $125 million on its $14 million investment, making Carolco a major Hollywood production company.[2][7][13] According to the Los Angeles Times, a Lebanese group associated with Kassar's family was instrumental in financing the film.[14]

From the mid to late 1980s, Kassar executive produced two Rambo sequels: Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985) and Rambo III (1988), both of them also released by Carolco.[2][8][10][15] Kassar also executive produced Angel Heart (1987) and Johnny Handsome (1989), as well as having produced Red Heat (1988).[9][15]

"They knew the international distribution business so well," remembers Alan Parker, who directed Angel Heart for Carolco. "They figured out that 60 percent of the revenue of a film comes from outside the U.S. market. Andy and Mario personally knew all the worldwide local independent distributors."[6]

In 1989, Vajna left Carolco and sold his interests to Kassar.[1] "After Rambo, we were trying to become a major studio. I felt that was the wrong direction," Vajna told Entertainment Weekly. "My feelings were very negative and it caused a lot of friction between Mario, myself, and Peter (Hoffman), who was by then Mario's right hand. I disagreed with where they wanted to go, and Peter played our egos against each other. He wanted to be a partner." Kassar and Vajna's partnership had fallen apart that year, and the latter was paid approximately $100 million for his share in the company. Kassar carried on with Peter Hoffman, who was president/chief executive of Carolco at the time since 1986. Hoffman had been introduced to Kassar by Tom Pollock, who would later become head of Universal Studios.[2][3][7]

Dino De Laurentiis's defunct studio, De Laurentiis Entertainment Group, along with its headquarters in Wilmington, North Carolina was purchased by Hoffman at Kassar's urging.[3]

1990s and Hoffman

[edit]

Films that Kassar executive produced during the 1990s included Total Recall (1990), Air America (1990), Narrow Margin (1990), L.A. Story (1991), The Doors (1991), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Rambling Rose (1991), Basic Instinct (1992), Cliffhanger (1993), Stargate (1994), Last of the Dogmen (1995), Showgirls (1995) and Cutthroat Island (1995). Kassar also produced Universal Soldier (1992) and Chaplin (1992).[2][8][9][10][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] During that time, relations between Kassar and Hoffman had degenerated into mistrust and antipathy. Hoffman thought Kassar's largesse was destroying the company; Kassar suspected Hoffman was scheming to depose him. Hoffman later resigned in March 1992 with a $1.8 million settlement.[3][24] A falling out that he had with Kassar was what caused Hoffman to resign.[25]

"They're extraordinary men, but they couldn't prevent confusion, conflict and disintegration," says Daniel Melnick, who produced Carolco's L.A. Story.[3] "There were armed camps on both sides," recalls Melnick, who resigned from the Carolco board in April 1991.[24]

Kassar paid $10 million to Arnold Schwarzenegger for him to star in Total Recall and $15 million to Michael Douglas for him to star in Basic Instinct. "(Kassar) was a big-time riverboat gambler," says Brian Grazer, who coproduced the $43 million The Doors with Kassar.[3][26] Kassar went as far as even giving Schwarzenegger his own airplane, which cost an additional $17 million.[7][24] Eventually, a Los Angeles judge froze $2.2 million of Kassar's shares and limited his access to company accounts.[27]

Kassar attempted to produce the now shelved Bartholomew vs. Neff, a John Hughes film which would have starred Stallone and John Candy.[28]

Carolco lost about $47 million on Cutthroat Island and went into bankruptcy in November 1995, six weeks before the film was released to theatres. Nevertheless, Kassar received his $1 million fee.[29]

Post-bankruptcy

[edit]

Paramount and Lolita

[edit]

In the wake of Carolco's collapse, Kassar shifted his employment to Paramount Pictures and started Mario Kassar Productions.[30] Sherry Lansing, chairman of Paramount, said: "I am thrilled that Mario will be making his new home at Paramount. Mario excels at producing major action-adventure films with high level directors and cast that have worldwide appeal. He also brings creative financial arrangements to the films he makes. We all look forward to our new relationship with him and the exciting projects he will bring to the studio."[10]

Mario Kassar said: "I have the highest regard for Sherry Lansing and the rest of the Paramount team. Jon Dolgen and I have had a great working relationship for years. Since I've always worked outside the studio system, I am very happy to begin my post-Carolco career with a studio as flexible, dynamic and creative as Paramount. I can't wait to make films in such an environment."[10]

Kassar also executive produced Lolita (1997), which was directed by Adrian Lyne and starred Jeremy Irons, Melanie Griffith and Dominique Swain.[10][15]

C2 Pictures and Magnetik Media

[edit]

In 1998,[31] he reunited with Vajna again and together they founded C2 Pictures, which produced I Spy (2002), Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) and Basic Instinct 2 (2006).[2][8][9] Kassar later confirmed on March 11, 2009, that as a result of the latter movie being a failure at the box office, plans for a third chapter were shelved and C2 Pictures officially ended the Basic Instinct/Catherine Tramell franchise.[32] C2 Pictures was later disbanded afterwards and it was later revealed that Vajna and Kassar founded the company only for the purpose of reviving the Terminator franchise.[7]

Kassar also co-founded Magnetik Media with Erick J. Feitshans and it was announced on May 15, 2007, that Magnetik Media signed 3:10 to Yuma (2007) and The Forbidden Kingdom (2008) from Ryan Kavanaugh's studio, Relativity Media.[33][34]

Late 2000s

[edit]

According to Today's Zaman, it was announced on August 7, 2008, that Kassar was reportedly collaborating with the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation on a miniseries that would recount the life of Suleiman the Magnificent.[35]

It was reported that Kassar also participated on Terminator Salvation (2009).[32] However, it was later revealed that he and Vajna sold the franchise to Derek Anderson and Victor Kubicek of the Halcyon Group in 2007. Kassar received $30 million for the purchase.[36][37][38]

Audition and Brick Top

[edit]

The Hollywood Reporter announced on October 4, 2012, that Kassar was backing Schuyler Moore, who is helping raise $100 million for the Singapore-based Infiniti Media Fund.[39]

In June 2014, it was reported that Kassar will be producing an English language remake of Takashi Miike's 1999 film, Audition, which is based on the 1997 novel of the same name by Ryū Murakami. Kassar's remake will be set in the United States and will be written and directed by Richard Gray.[12][18][20][40][41][42][43]

On November 24, 2014, Brick Top Productions had entered into an Executive Services Agreement with Kassar. Alexander Bafer, Brick Top's CEO said, "There is no human being on this planet better than Mario Kassar at making true Hollywood blockbusters. I am honored with this opportunity to work with him."[16][17]

Carolco relaunch

[edit]

On January 20, 2015, it was announced that Carolco Pictures was back when Brick Top acquired its name.[11] Brick Top Productions officially changed its corporate name to Carolco Pictures Inc.[19]

On February 17, 2015, it was announced that Kassar had returned as chairman of the board of directors of the currently relaunched Carolco Pictures. "One of my greatest joys in life was being the chairman of Carolco Pictures ... I am elated to return to that position, to produce the world's greatest movies once again under the Carolco brand for my fans and people everywhere to enjoy," Kassar said.[8][9]

"The major difference between now and then are the advances in technology and cinematography not previously available to Carolco Pictures 20 years ago," Kassar said. "Combined with these advances ... the best movies I will ever produce are still yet to come." Alex Bafer, now Carolco Pictures’ CEO, said Kassar "is hands-down the world's greatest producer of mega-hit films. We couldn't be more excited than to have Mario return as the chairman of the board. Our goal now is to not only restore the Carolco brand back to its rightful place in Hollywood, but also to build an entirely new library of memorable films for today's generation."[8][9]

In November 2017, the new Carolco was renamed Recall Studios.[citation needed]

Personal life

[edit]

Kassar resides in Holmby Hills with his wife Denise Richard-Kassar and their three daughters, Natasha, Tatiana and Anastasia.[3][44]

Filmography

[edit]

Executive producer

Producer

Writer

  • Habibie & Ainun 3 (2019)

Actor

Presenter

Thanks

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e Mario Kassar biography at The New York Times
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l Lambie, Ryan (11 March 2014). "The rise and fall of Carolco". Den of Geek. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g Hammer, Joshua (8 March 1992). "Total Free Fall". Newsweek. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  4. ^ Citron, Alan; Cieply, Michael (21 December 1990). "Judges Freezes Mario Kassar's Carolco Shares : Entertainment: The film studio chairman, who bought the stock at a premium, was rebuked for enriching himself at the company's expense". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  5. ^ Citron, Alan (11 May 1992). "Like Carolco, Studio's Boss Trims Sails : Entertainment: Emblematic of the company's cost cutting, Mario Kassar is without his 203-foot yacht at this year's Cannes Film Festival". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Fierman, Daniel (30 April 2004). "How two once-hot producers stopped getting action". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 25 February 2015.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g Konda, Kelly (22 January 2015). "HOLY CRAP! CAROLCO PICTURES IS BACK & THEY'RE RE-MAKING TAKASHI MIIKE'S AUDITION". Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Park, Colleen (17 February 2015). "'Rambo,' 'Terminator' producer Mario Kassar returns to Carolco Pictures". Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  9. ^ a b c d e f "Mario Kassar Returns As Carolco Pictures' Chairman Of The Board Of Directors". 17 February 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  10. ^ a b c d e f "MARIO KASSAR TO DEVELOP, PRODUCE FILMS FOR PARAMOUNT PICTURES". The Free Library. 3 January 1996. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  11. ^ a b Lambie, Ryan (26 January 2015). "Exclusive: CEO Alex Bafer Tells Us About The Return of Carolco". Den of Geek. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  12. ^ a b Wilson, Josh (26 January 2015). "Hollywood film studio Carolco reopens with horror drama". Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  13. ^ a b Clow, Chris (24 January 2015). "EXCLUSIVE: Producer Felissa Rose Talks Return of Iconic Action Movie Studio Carolco Pictures". GeekNation. Archived from the original on 17 November 2016. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  14. ^ Delugach, Al (31 May 1987). "Carolco Seeks Life Beyond 'Rambo' Films". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  15. ^ a b c Pierce, Nev (24 July 2003). "Mario Kassar; Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines". BBC. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  16. ^ a b "News: Brick Top Productions Enters Agreement with Mario Kassar". 24 November 2014. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  17. ^ a b "Brick Top Productions : Enters Agreement with Mario Kassar Producer and Executive Producer of Motion Picture World-Wide Blockbusters for Over 30 Years". 24 November 2014. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  18. ^ a b "Deadline Hollywood Exclusive: Terminator, Basic Instinct Producer Piecing Together Audition Remake". GTN News. 28 January 2015. Archived from the original on 27 February 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  19. ^ a b "Carolco Pictures Label Returns for First Time in 20 Years". 21 January 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  20. ^ a b Monzon, Inigo (1 July 2014). "J-Horror 'Audition' Getting a Hollywood Remake". Fashion Times. Archived from the original on 27 February 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  21. ^ Pecchia, David (11 June 1989). "Films now going into production". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  22. ^ Pecchia, David (8 October 1989). "Films now going into production". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  23. ^ Turan, Kenneth (8 September 1995). "Dogmen' Charms With Its Familiarity". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  24. ^ a b c Grover, Ronald (5 July 1992). "Carolco May Be Headed For A Quick Dissolve". Bloomberg Business. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  25. ^ Citron, Alan (11 May 1992). "Ex-President of Carolco Starts Own Company". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  26. ^ Easton, Nina J. (23 September 1990). "Hollywood's Billion-Dollar Man : Competing studios aren't exactly thrilled with Carolco Pictures' big-spending ways, but Mario Kassar says, hey, it works for him". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  27. ^ "Carolco Pictures Is Talking to Several Potential Investors". Los Angeles Times. 2 March 1991. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  28. ^ "SHORT TAKES : Stallone in Line for Comedy Role". Los Angeles Times. 30 July 1990. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  29. ^ Jeffreys, Daniel (10 April 1996). "The vanity that led to a $100m bonfire". The Independent. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  30. ^ Bart, Peter (1996-01-15). "Will Kassar's yacht & caviar style float at Par?". Variety. Retrieved 2021-01-15.
  31. ^ Bates, James (8 April 1998). "Movie Producer Fined $5,000 in Tax Case". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  32. ^ a b "Exclusive : No more Basic Instinct for C2". 11 March 2009. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  33. ^ Goodridge, Mike (15 May 2007). "Kassar, Feitshan form Magnetik, sign three from Relativity". Screen Daily. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  34. ^ Hayes, Dade (15 May 2007). "Kassar, Feitshans form Magnetik". Variety. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  35. ^ "Kassar to film Sultan Suleiman's life story". Today's Zaman. 7 August 2008. Archived from the original on 27 February 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  36. ^ "Terminator rights up for sale again (but don't worry ... much)". 28 September 2009. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  37. ^ McNary, Dave (9 February 2010). "Pacificor nabs 'Terminator'". Variety. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  38. ^ McNary, Dave (3 December 2012). "Ellisons partner on next 'Terminator'". Variety. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  39. ^ Bond, Bond; Szalai, Georg (4 October 2012). "Wall Street's Rocky Love Affair With the Movies". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  40. ^ Yamato, Jen (27 June 2014). "'Terminator,' 'Basic Instinct' Producer Piecing Together 'Audition' Remake". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  41. ^ Myles, Sarah (28 June 2014). "Mario Kassar Setting Up Audition Remake". Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  42. ^ Bustos, Kristina (29 June 2014). "Japanese horror Audition to get English-language remake". Digital Spy. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  43. ^ Franklin, Garth (28 June 2014). ""Audition" Remake In The Works". Dark Horizons. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  44. ^ Apodaca, Patrice (13 August 1991). "On the Verge of a Showbiz Merger: The Big Picture : Film: Despite lawsuits, heavy spender Carolco Pictures will likely end up with the part of Live Entertainment it doesn't already own". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
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