Village Roadshow, Producer of The Matrix and Joker, Declares Bankruptcy

Village Roadshow Entertainment Group, the production company behind blockbuster films like The Matrix series and the Oscar-winning Joker, has officially declared bankruptcy. The company, which has been a major player in Hollywood, is now struggling financially and has sought bankruptcy protection in a U.S. court.

Financial Struggles & Legal Battles

The company, which also played a role in India’s multiplex boom by co-founding PVR Cinemas, has been facing severe financial challenges due to multiple factors, including:

✅ The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
✅ The Hollywood writers' strike in 2023
✅ A long-running legal dispute with Warner Bros. Discovery

According to media reports, Village Roadshow has listed $223.8 million in assets and $163.1 million in debt. The company operated in both the U.S. and Australia and was known for producing over 100 films, including The Great Gatsby and The LEGO Movie.

Legal Dispute with Warner Bros.

The turning point for Village Roadshow came after the release of The Matrix Resurrections (2021). In 2022, the company filed a lawsuit against Warner Bros., alleging that the studio had failed to provide its fair share of the film’s theatrical revenue. The legal fight worsened the company’s financial condition, making recovery difficult.

Future of Village Roadshow’s Film Library

Now, as part of its bankruptcy restructuring, Village Roadshow may be forced to sell its extensive film library, including rights to iconic franchises like The Matrix and Ocean’s Eleven.

Despite the bankruptcy, the company's legacy remains significant, especially in India, where its early partnership with PVR (Priya Village Roadshow) helped establish India’s largest multiplex chain, now known as PVR INOX.

With its bankruptcy filing, the future of Village Roadshow remains uncertain, leaving fans wondering what will happen to its legendary film catalog.