Kahane's Lionsgate Exit Is Westerman Set to Pounce?

Lionsgate Motion Picture Group President Nathan Kahane Set to Depart, Eyeing Producing Deal

In a significant shift within the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, President Nathan Kahane is expected to step down from his role by the end of the year, as his contract concludes. Sources familiar with the situation have indicated to Deadline that Kahane will transition into a producing deal with the studio, marking a return to his entrepreneurial roots.

While Lionsgate has declined to comment on the matter, insiders suggest that Erin Westerman is poised to assume leadership of all studio production under studio chair Adam Fogelson. This promotion would see Westerman stepping up from her current position as President of Motion Picture Production.

Kahane's Next Chapter: Producing in the Forefront

Although the primary focus for Kahane appears to be producing, rumors circulated last week regarding potential opportunities at other companies, including The Initial Group. However, sources from both sides have refuted any existing deal, reinforcing that Kahane's immediate future lies in producing.

Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and decades of experience, Kahane's move back to producing is seen by many as a natural progression. He previously founded two successful companies, Good Universe and Mandate Pictures, demonstrating his prowess in the production realm.

A Look Back at Kahane's Lionsgate Tenure

Kahane took the reins as Lionsgate Motion Picture Group President in May 2018, following the studio's acquisition of Good Universe, which he co-founded with Joe Drake. His relationship with Lionsgate dates back further, as he co-founded Mandate Pictures with Drake, which was acquired by Lionsgate in 2007. He then served as President of Mandate, while Drake joined Lionsgate as President of the Motion Picture Group and Co-Chief Operating Officer.

During his tenure as President, Kahane has been instrumental in overseeing production and acquisitions, driving the expansion of key franchises such as:

• John Wick
• The Hunger Games
• The Expendables
• Saw

He also spearheaded the relaunch of The Strangers as a three-film horror trilogy.

Beyond franchises, Lionsgate, under Kahane's leadership, released critically acclaimed films such as:

• Knives Out
• Bombshell
• Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar
• Jesus Revolution
• Sisu

Furthermore, the studio took a bold step in distributing Megalopolis, Francis Ford Coppola's ambitious sci-fi epic.

Building Empires: Good Universe and Mandate Pictures

Prior to his presidential role, Kahane co-founded Good Universe in 2012, the force behind popular films like:

• The Neighbors films
• The Night Before
• Don't Breathe
• The Disaster Artist
• Blockers

His earlier venture, Mandate Pictures, launched in 2003, produced notable films including:

• Juno
• The Harold & Kumar films
• 50/50
• Drag Me to Hell

Looking Ahead: Lionsgate's Upcoming Slate

Lionsgate has a promising lineup for the remainder of the year, including the female-driven John Wick spinoff Ballerina (June 6), as well as:

• The Long Walk (September 12)
• The Strangers — Chapter 2 (September 26)
• Good Fortune (October 17)
• Now You See Me: Now You Don’t (November 14)
• The Housemaid (December 25)

Nathan Kahane's departure marks the end of an era at Lionsgate, but his transition to producing promises a new chapter filled with creativity and innovation. His legacy of successful franchises and acclaimed films will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the studio and the film industry as a whole. We eagerly anticipate the projects he will bring to life in his new role.

Source: https://deadline.com/2025/05/lionsgate-president-nathan-kahane-departure-1236413532/