AGBO

American film and television production companyTemplate:SHORTDESC:American film and television production company
This article is about the production company. For the surname, see Agbo.

* Anthony RussoJoe Russo
* Mike Larocca
* Todd Makurath
* Anthony & Joe Russo (Co-Founders and Executive Chairmen)
* Mike Larocca (Co-Founder and Vice Chairman)
* Angela Russo-Otstot (Chief Creative Officer)
* Christopher Markus (Co-President of Story)
* Stephen McFeely (Co-President of Story)
* Dennis Hands (Chief Financial Officer)
* Nicholas Anglewicz (Chief Operating Officer)
* Jake Aust (Chief Innovation Officer)
* Marian Koltai-Levine (Chief Marketing Officer)
* Rik Toulon (Chief Legal Officer)
* Michael Disco (President of Film)
* Scott Nemes (President of TV)

**AGBO** (also known as **Gozie AGBO**) is an independent entertainment company based in Downtown Los Angeles, founded and led by Anthony and Joe Russo and Mike Larocca. The Russo Brothers are best known for their work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, most notably *Avengers: Infinity War* and *Avengers: Endgame*. Recent AGBO TV releases include *Citadel*, a television series with Amazon Prime Video starring Richard Madden and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. Recent AGBO film releases include *Extraction*, written by Joe Russo and starring Chris Hemsworth; *Extraction 2*; *The Gray Man* with Netflix in 2022; and Academy Award-Winning Best Picture film *Everything Everywhere All At Once*.

AGBO’s forthcoming productions include the film *The Electric State*, based on the graphic novel of the same name by Simon Stålenhag, starring Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown; a live-action remake of *Hercules*, to be directed by Guy Ritchie, and *The Gray Man 2*.

## History

### Business developments

In March 2015, the Russo Brothers announced they were launching a production company, then known as Getaway Productions, and tapped Mike Larocca as President.

AGBO was officially founded in 2017 by film veterans and directors the Russo Brothers. Anthony and Joe Russo serve as founders and co-chairmen.

In March 2018, it was announced that screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, who wrote the screenplays for *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* and *Captain America: Civil War*, were named Co-Presidents of Story at AGBO, adding to the executive roster. The name "AGBO" was a surname selected randomly by Anthony and Joe Russo from an Ohio phone book years prior.

On January 5, 2022, it was announced that the Russo Brothers sold a minority stake in AGBO - or 38% - to Tokyo-based game maker Nexon, for $400 million. AGBO was consequently valued at $1.1 billion.

### Production developments

#### 2016–2017: The Founding years

In July 2016, it was announced that the Russo Brothers would co-produce *Deadly Class* alongside creator Rick Remender and got a Syfy pilot order in September 2017  and the series starred Lana Condor and Benedict Wong and aired from December 20, 2018 through March 20, 2019.

In June 2016, it was announced that the Russo Brothers would produce action film *21 Bridges* for STX Entertainment. In July 2018 it was announced that Chadwick Boseman would star in the AGBO produced movie  and released on November 22, 2019.

In August 2017, it was announced that AGBO acquired the rights to the book *Exit West* with Morten Tyldum set to direct. On December 31, 2017, Barack Obama included *Exit West* on his list of the best books he read in 2017, and then Obama's production company, Higher Ground Productions, announced they would team up with AGBO to produce a feature adaptation for Netflix, with Riz Ahmed attached to star, and Yann Demange directing.

In December 2017, it was announced that AGBO won the rights to the graphic novel *The Electric State* by Simon Stålenhag, then in March 2018 it was announced that screenwriting duo Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely would develop the screenplay for the film.

#### 2018–2022: Launching the studio

In January 2018, it was announced that AGBO and Neon acquired the worldwide rights to *Assassination Nation*, written and directed by Sam Levinson, at Sundance Film Festival in a $10M deal, the film was released later that year on September 21, 2018 in association with Refinery29.
In June 2018, AGBO optioned the film adaptation of Alex North's novel *The Whisper Man*, with AGBO producing.

In August 2018, AGBO optioned Nico Walker's novel *Cherry* in a bidding war and announced this would be the next film the Russo Brothers would direct after *Avengers: Endgame*. Tom Holland and Ciara Bravo star in the film.

On August 30, 2018, it was announced that Anthony and Joe Russo were set to produce the Daniels' (Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert) sci-fi action film *Everything Everywhere All at Once* with A24 as the distributor.

On August 30, 2018, it was announced that Sam Hargrave would direct *Dhaka,* later renamed *Extraction,* from a screenplay by Joe Russo with Chris Hemsworth set to star in the film. The film was released on Netflix on April 24, 2020, and received the biggest premiere viewership in the site's history, leading to a sequel being put in development from the same team.

In October 2018, it was announced that AGBO would come on as a producer for the Emily Mortimer-starring indie horror film *Relic* which was the feature directorial debut for Natalie Erika James and debuted to critical acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2020. On March 10, 2020, the AGBO produced film *Relic* was acquired by IFC Midnight with a release date set for July 10, 2020.

In October 2018, it was announced that AGBO would partner with Conde Nast Entertainment to produce thriller *Mosul* with *World War Z* screenwriter Matthew Michael Carnahan set to direct. The film played at the 76th Venice International Film Festival and 2019 Toronto International Film Festival. It was later acquired by Netflix and released in November 2020.

On March 20, 2019, AGBO acquired JJ Braider's script *All Fun And Games*.

In April 2020, it was announced that the Russo Brothers will team with Walt Disney Pictures to produce a live-action remake of the 1997 animated film *Hercules*.

Apple bought the rights to *Cherry*, starring Tom Holland in September 2020 - the movie hit Apple TV+ in early 2021.

In December 2020, *The Electric State* casting news broke that Millie Bobby Brown would star in the upcoming Sci-Fi Film.

In April 2021, it was announced that Epix gave a 10-episode straight-to-series order to *From*, a contemporary sci-fi horror series, created by John Griffin and produced by AGBO and the Russo Brothers. It was renewed for a second season in April 2022.
In July 2021, AGBO announced it was teaming up with Netflix again for a heist thriller forthcoming movie starring Regé-Jean Page and written by Noah Hawley.

In August 2021, Hulu announced the expansion of its true-crime collection, including the docuseries *Captive Audience*  which is executive produced by AGBO's Anthony Russo, Joe Russo and Mike Larocca.

#### 2022–present: Onwards into the AGBOverse

On January 13, 2022, casting announcements were made for the forthcoming horror-thriller film *All Fun and Games*, which AGBO is producing, with Asa Butterfield and Natalia Dyer to star and Ari Costa and Eren Celeboglu to co-direct.

In February 2022, it was announced that AGBO would produce an animated film adaptation of *Superfudge*, one of Judy Blume's best selling books.

On June 17, 2022, it was announced that Guy Ritchie will direct the forthcoming *Hercules* live-action remake.

In July 2022, it was announced that the hit Hulu show, *Captive Audience*, which was executive produced by the Russo Brothers, became Hulu's most-viewed nonfiction TV program in its first month of release.

*The Gray Man* sequel and spinoff with Netflix was announced in July 2022; which will see Ryan Gosling reprise his role as 'The Gray Man,' with AGBO producing and the Russo Brothers directing. Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese of *Deadpool)* fame will write the spinoff series.

On September 15, 2022, it was announced that AGBO would executive produce a *Butch and Sundance* series at Amazon Studios, starring Regé-Jean Page and Glen Powell.

The *Citadel* global multi-series announced the casting of Matilda De Angelis as the lead for the Italian installment of the spy thriller franchise, which AGBO is producing in conjunction with Amazon Studios.

In November 2022, it was announced that Giancarlo Esposito, Ke Huy Quan, Anthony Mackie, and Billy Bob Thornton were joining the cast of *The Electric State*.

In November 2022, it was announced the Russo Brothers would executive produce and direct an eight-episode limited series about the FTX scandal in conjunction with Amazon Studios

In November 2022, Variety named the Russo Brothers "Showmen of the Year" and the cover featured the Russos with Chris Pratt, Priyanka Chopra, and Zoe Saldana all as part of upcoming AGBO projects

#### Community developments

Established in 2017 through AGBO, the National Italian American Film Forum Grant program annually awards multiple $8,000 grants to ambitious filmmakers around the country to create documentary, fiction or nonfiction narrative films that explore the Italian American experience for the benefit of future generations.

In October 2017, it was announced that the Russo Brothers would offer an annual fellowship with Slamdance Film Festival which would consist of a $25,000 prize, filmmaking support and an office at AGBO.

In June 2019, it was announced that AGBO partnered with the American Film Institute (AFI) for an inaugural development grant which would award the recipient $25,000 to develop a project as well as year-long mentorship from AGBO.

In May 2020, the Russo Brothers announced their new video podcast, *Pizza Film School*. The podcast aims to educate and spread some love to favorite classic films, as well as local pizzerias while movie lovers are stuck at home during the pandemic. Guests included Josh Brolin, Taika Waititi, Mark Hamill, Bob Gale and more. The second season premiered in April 2023 with the Russos talking to other directors including a viral episode with Zack Snyder, which was a crossover between the Marvel and DC universes. Other guests included Emerald Fennell, Nia DaCosta, Justin Lin, Justin Chon, R.J. Cutler, and more.

In April 2021, AGBO began running its annual “No Sleep ‘til Film Fest” competition, an opportunity for emerging creators to submit a short film for consideration from AGBO’s Executive teams. The virtual short film festival invites filmmakers from all countries to make a short movie in only 48 hours. The first year of the festival received over 700 submissions from filmmakers in over 60 countries.

## References

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1. ↑ Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Richard Madden to Star in Russo Brothers Amazon Series (January 14, 2020).
2. ↑ 'Extraction 2' Scores Biggest Netflix Movie Debut of 2023 (June 21, 2023).
3. ↑ Giancarlo Esposito, Ke Huy Quan, Anthony Mackie, Billy Bob Thornton Join the Russo Brothers' 'The Electric State' for Netflix (EXCLUSIVE) (November 2, 2022).
4. ↑ Guy Ritchie to Direct 'Hercules' Live-Action Film from Disney and AGBO (June 17, 2022).
5. ↑ 'The Gray Man' Sequel with Ryan Gosling and Spinoff Film in Development at Netflix (July 26, 2022).
6. ↑ Kit, Borys (2015-03-27). Russo Brothers Open Getaway Productions, Tap Mike Larocca as President (Exclusive) (en-US).
7. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (2020-05-05). Russo Brothers Tap Chernin Group Vet Jason Bergsman As New AGBO CEO (en-US).
8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Fleming, Mike Jr. (2018-03-13). Marvel Mojo? Markus & McFeely Tapped As Co-Presidents Of Story For Joe & Anthony Russo's AGBO (en-US).
9. ↑ The Russo Brothers Have Post-'Avengers' Grand Plans (en-US) (2019-04-22).
10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Lang, Brent (2022-01-05). Joe and Anthony Russo's AGBO Scores $1.1 Billion Valuation, Sells Minority Stake to Nexon (en-US).
11. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (2016-07-21). 'Deadly Class' Comic To Be Adapted As TV Series Produced By Joe & Anthony Russo (en-US).
12. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (2017-09-27). 'Deadly Class' Comic-Based Drama From Russo Brothers Gets Syfy Pilot Order (en-US).
13. ↑ The 'Deadly Class' Pilot Is Now Available To Watch Online (en-US) (2018-12-20).
14. ↑ Ahr, Matthew Byrd, Michael (2019-03-21). Deadly Class Season 1 Reviews and Episode Guide (en-US).
15. ↑ Busch, Anita (2016-06-03). STX Entertainment Nabs '17 Bridges', Finalizing Deal For Russo Brothers To Produce (en-US).
16. ↑ N'Duka, Amanda (2018-07-11). Chadwick Boseman To Star In '17 Bridges' Thriller From The Russo Brothers & STX (en-US).
17. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (2019-07-29). Chadwick Boseman-Starrer '21 Bridges' Moves To November 22 Opening Date (en-US).
18. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (2017-08-10). Russo Brothers In First Look With Morten Tyldum, Acquire 'Exit West' For Him To Direct (en-US).
19. ↑ Template:Cite magazine
20. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2020-03-06). Russo Brothers' AGBO Partners With Obamas' Higher Ground & Netflix On 'Exit West', Riz Ahmed Attached (en-US).
21. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (2017-12-14). Russo Brothers Win Sci-Fi Novel 'The Electric State' For 'It' Team Andy & Barbara Muschietti (en-US).
22. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (2018-01-23). Huge Deal! NEON Teams With Russo Bros-Led AGBO In $10M+ Deal For 'Assassination Nation' – Sundance (en-US).
23. ↑ Spangler, Todd (2018-07-31). Refinery29 Jumps Into Feature Films in Pact With Neon (en-US).
24. ↑ Anthony and Joe Russo's AGBO options 'The Whisper Man' (exclusive) (en).
25. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (2018-08-24). AGBO Nearing $1M 'Cherry' Book Deal; 'Avengers: Infinity War's Russo Bros Eye Directing (en-US).
26. ↑ Kroll, Justin (2019-10-03). Ciara Bravo Joins Tom Holland in Russo Brothers' Next Film (EXCLUSIVE) (en-US).
27. ↑ Michelle Yeoh, Awkwafina Team Up With 'Swiss Army Man' Directors For 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' (en-US) (2018-08-30).
28. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (2020-01-23). A24 Reunites With 'Swiss Army Man' Directors; Finance & Distribute AGBO's 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' (en-US).
29. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>"Busy AGBO Sets India Kidnap Drama 'Dhaka' At Netflix: Chris Hemsworth Stars & Sam Hargrave Helms Joe Russo Script". *Deadline Hollywood*. August 30, 2018. Retrieved February 26, 2020.
30. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (May 4, 2020). Joe Russo Closes Deal To Script 'Extraction 2,' New Installment Of Netflix Smash Chris Hemsworth Pic (en).
31. ↑ Hipes, Patrick (2018-10-02). 'Relic': Emily Mortimer, Robyn Nevin & Bella Heathcote To Star In Horror Pic; AGBO Boards To Co-Finance (en-US).
32. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Zhou, Debbie (July 7, 2020). "Relic: Australian director Natalie Erika James on dementia, horror and her Sundance hit". *The Guardian*. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
33. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (2020-03-10). IFC Midnight Lands Sundance & SXSW Thriller 'Relic' (en-US).
34. ↑ Squires, John (2020-04-20). IFC Midnight Gives Festival Hit 'Relic' a July Release Date (en-US).
35. ↑ Wiseman, Andreas (2018-10-30). Joe & Anthony Russo's AGBO, Condé Nast & Endeavor Team On ISIS Thriller 'Mosul' From Matthew Michael Carnahan — AFM (en-US).
36. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2020-10-09). Netflix Takes Russo Brothers AGBO Produced Iraq Drama 'Mosul' For November Release (en-US).
37. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (2019-03-21). AGBO Wins JJ Braider Thriller Spec 'All Fun And Games' (en-US).
38. ↑ Jackson, Angelique (2020-09-25). Apple Lands Anthony and Joe Russo's 'Cherry,' Starring Tom Holland and Ciara Bravo (en-US).
39. ↑ McNary, Dave (2020-12-18). Millie Bobby Brown to Star in the Russo Brothers' Sci-Fi Film 'The Electric State' (en-US).
40. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (2021-04-12). Epix Greenlights 'From' Sci-Fi Horror Series Produced By Midnight Radio & AGBO (en-US).
41. ↑ Complex, Valerie (2022-04-24). 'From' Sci-fi Horror Series Renewed For Season 2 By Epix (en-US).
42. ↑ Jackson, Angelique (2021-09-30). Regé-Jean Page and Noah Hawley Team for Heist Thriller From AGBO, Netflix (en-US).
43. ↑ Cordero, Rosy (2021-08-06). 'Captive Audience', Exec Produced By Russo Brothers, & Skye Borgman's 'Dead Asleep' Bolster Hulu's True-Crime Library (en-US).
44. ↑ Captive Audience: A Real American Horror Story (en).
45. ↑ Barraclough, Leo (2022-01-13). Asa Butterfield, Natalia Dyer Set to Star in Horror Thriller 'All Fun and Games' (en-US).
46. ↑ Ortiz, Andi (2022-02-07). The Russo Brothers to Produce Animated 'Superfudge' Movie at Disney+ (en-US).
47. ↑ Urban, Sasha (2022-06-17). Guy Ritchie to Direct 'Hercules' Live-Action Film From Disney and AGBO (en-US).
48. ↑ Donnelly, Matt (2022-07-06). Hulu Docs Chief Reveals Record-Breaking Viewership for 'Captive Audience,' Teases New Bombshell Series (EXCLUSIVE) (en-US).
49. ↑ Rubin, Rebecca (2022-07-26). 'The Gray Man' Sequel With Ryan Gosling and Spinoff Film in Development at Netflix (en-US).
50. ↑ Welk, Brian (2022-07-26). The Gray Man Sequel and Spinoff in the Works at Netflix (en-US).
51. ↑ Otterson, Joe (2022-09-15). Regé-Jean Page, 'Top Gun: Maverick's' Glen Powell to Star in 'Butch and Sundance' Series at Amazon (en-US).
52. ↑ Vivarelli, Nick (2022-10-12). Russo Brothers' Amazon Multi-Series 'Citadel' Starts Production in Italy, Matilda De Angelis Cast as Lead (en-US).
53. ↑ Vary, Adam B. (2022-11-02). Giancarlo Esposito, Ke Huy Quan, Anthony Mackie, Billy Bob Thornton Join the Russo Brothers' 'The Electric State' for Netflix (EXCLUSIVE) (en-US).
54. ↑ Otterson, Joe (2022-11-23). Amazon Orders FTX Limited Series From Russo Brothers' AGBO, 'Hunters' Creator David Weil (EXCLUSIVE) (en-US).
55. ↑ Vary, Adam B. (2022-11-02). The Russo Brothers Assemble: Inside AGBO, Their $1 Billion Studio, and When They Might Return to Marvel (en-US).
56. ↑ National Italian American Foundation Template:Dead link
57. ↑ McNary, Dave (2017-10-11). Film News Roundup: Russo Brothers Partner With Slamdance for Fellowship (EXCLUSIVE) (en-US).
58. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (2019-06-06). AFI & Russo Brothers' AGBO Films Partner For Inaugural Development Grant (en-US).
59. ↑ Beresford, Trilby (2020-05-08). The Russo Bros. Introduce Instagram Live Series 'Pizza Film School' (en-US).
60. ↑ Lowry, Brian (2020-07-09). The Russo brothers, 'Avengers' directors, fill the summer movie void with 'Pizza Film School' (en).
61. ↑ Spangler, Todd (2023-04-04). Russo Brothers' 'Pizza Film School' Video Podcast Returns for Season 2 With Guests Including Zack Snyder, Nia DaCosta, Justin Lin, Emerald Fennell (en-US).
62. ↑ Grobar, Matt (2021-04-07). AGBO Unveils "No Sleep 'Til Film Fest," A Short Filmmaking Competition For Up-And-Coming Creators (en-US).
63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 Grobar, Matt (2022-04-05). AGBO Sets Dates For Second Annual No Sleep 'Til Film Fest Short Filmmaking Competition (en-US).
64. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (January 23, 2018). Huge Deal! NEON Teams With Russo Bros-Led AGBO In $10M+ Deal For 'Assassination Nation'.
65. ↑ Kroll, Justin (December 18, 2020). Universal Lands AGBO's Adaptation Of 'The Electric State' With Millie Bobby Brown Starring, The Russo Brothers Directing And Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely Writing.
66. ↑ Kroll, Justin (June 28, 2022). The Russo Brothers' Next Film 'The Electric State' Starring Millie Bobby Brown Lands At Netflix. *Deadline Hollywood*.
67. ↑ Miska, Brad (April 10, 2019). 'Poltergeist' Getting Remade \*Again\* with 'Captain America' and 'Avengers' Directors?!.
68. ↑ 68.0 68.1 D'Alessandro, Anthony (July 19, 2019). Russo Brothers' AGBO Studios Developing 'Grimjack Comics' & Japanese Anime 'Battle Of The Planets' – Comic-Con. Deadline Hollywood.
69. ↑ Fleming., Mike Jr. (April 9, 2019). 'Avengers: Endgame' Helmers Joe & Anthony Russo's AGBO To Godfather Remakes Of MGM Library Title IP.
70. ↑ Fleming., Mike Jr. (August 3, 2018). Russo Bros AGBO Buys John Brancato Prehistoric Pitch 'The Last Neanderthal' For Terry Notary To Direct. Deadline Hollywood.
71. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (July 16, 2019). AGBO, David Gordon Green Plot Film On Cambridge Analytica Mastermind Christopher Wylie; Script By Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely.
72. ↑ Snieder, Jeff (May 5, 2020). Exclusive: Matt Shakman in Talks to Direct Russo Brothers' Cambridge Analytica Movie.
73. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (September 30, 2021). Regé-Jean Page To Star In Noah Hawley-Directed Heist Film From Netflix & AGBO. *Deadline Hollywood*. Retrieved on September 30, 2021.
74. ↑ Kay, Jeremy (June 25, 2018). Anthony and Joe Russo's AGBO options 'The Whisper Man' (exclusive).
75. ↑ Fleming, Mike Jr. (May 17, 2019). Paramount Wins World On Hot Cannes Package 'Down Under Cover' With Chris Hemsworth & Tiffany Haddish.
76. ↑ 'Hercules' Live-Action Remake in the Works From Disney, 'Shang-Chi' Writer (Exclusive) The Hollywood Reporter, April 30, 2020.
77. ↑ <templatestyles src="Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css"></templatestyles>Fleming, Mike Jr. (June 17, 2022). "'Aladdin' Director Guy Ritchie Teams With Disney & AGBO On Live-Action 'Hercules'". *Deadline Hollywood*. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
78. ↑ Goldberg, Matt (April 10, 2019). Russo Brothers to Oversee Remakes of MGM Classics, Including 'The Thomas Crown Affair'.
79. ↑ McNary, Dave (November 9, 2020). Chris Pratt, Wu Jing to Star in 'Saigon Bodyguards' Remake Produced by Russos (en).
80. ↑ Marvel's Brie Larson and Jeremy Renner to Produce and Star in Disney Plus Unscripted Shows (February 7, 2022).
81. ↑ Sneider, Jeff (January 14, 2020). Priyanka Chopra, Richard Madden to Star in Russo Brothers' Spy Series 'Citadel'.
82. ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (September 15, 2022). Regé-Jean Page, Glen Powell to Star in *Butch and Sundance* TV Series for Amazon From Russo Brothers (Exclusive). *The Hollywood Reporter*.
83. ↑ D'Alessandro, Anthony (December 23, 2019). 'Mastermind' Crime Drama Produced By Noah Hawley, Russo Brothers & Skybound In Works At Amazon. Deadline Hollywood.
84. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (June 7, 2018). Midnight Radio Inks Overall Deal With Joe & Anthony Russo's AGBO.

## External links

* Linkedin page