Spike Lee’s ‘Chi-Raq’ to debut in theaters in December; Amazon Studios confirmed as film’s backer

The Hollywoodreporter.com today reports that Spike Lee’s “Chi-Raq” will kick off Amazon Studios’ official film slate in December with a theatrical run. The move makes the film eligible for Oscar nomination consideration. The story calls it “a bold move as the streamer moves into the original movie space.”

Amazon Studios confirmed its involvement with the film in a press release today, calling “Chi-Raq” its first original movie.

ICM brokered the deal for U.S. rights on behalf of Lee, who wrapped shooting last week in Chicago. Shortly after its theatrical run, the film will be released to Amazon Prime customers for streaming, the story reports.

The film, co-written by Lee and Kevin Wilmott (“CSA: Confederate States of America”), stars Teyonah Parris in the lead role, alongside John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson, Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Jennifer Hudson, Angela Bassett, D.B. Sweeney, Harry Lennix and Steve Harris, among others.

Read the full story here.