Amazon Has Its First Original Movie

Amazon Studios says it has acquired Spike Lee's new film as its first Amazon Original Movie. The film, with the working title Chi-Raq, stars Nick Cannon, Wesley Snipes, Jennifer Hudson, Teyonah Parris, DB Sweeney, Harry Lennix, Steve Harris, Angela Bassett, John Cusack, and Samuel L. Jackson. Chi-Raq, which focuses on violence in inner-city Chicago, was shot entirely in the city and wrapped last week. Amazon Studios' Ted Hope says "It would be impossible to find a better filmmaker" than Lee to launch the studio with. Amazon Original Movies aims for theatrical release, as well as distribution among Amazon Prime members. (Meanwhile, it's Prime Day.)