TWC, Universal close to 'Bastards' deal (VAR, THR, SCR)

By Nancy Tartaglione-Vialatte

The Weinstein Company and Universal are getting close to a deal to partner on the release of Quentin Tarantino's upcoming project “Inglorious Bastards.” Although deal points had not been concluded yesterday, it is understood that TWC would handle the North American release and Universal would oversee the international roll-out.

Media reports say that Tarantino and Harvey Weinstein met with five US majors last week on the director's “Dirty Dozen”-style tale of condemned US soldiers given a chance of redemption on a suicide mission in France.

Ultimately, it came down to either Paramount or Universal. But, Variety reports that Paramount, which wanted to distribute the film in foreign territories, balked at a component of the pact that dealt with how grosses would be accounted given the way that Tarantino's "Kill Bill" contract was structured.

Tarantino has also met with Brad Pitt to play a leading role and has reportedly shown interest in Leonardo DiCaprio as well.

He is preparing a fall shoot in Germany and France in time for a Cannes 2009 slot.