Erin Westerman Named President at Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Amid Studio Shake Up

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Erin Westerman has officially taken over as president of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, with Nathan Kahane stepping down at the end of the year following his recent announcement.

Kahane’s imminent return to film production paves the path for Westerman, who has been serving as the head of production and development, to assume control over all studio productions under the supervision of Adam Fogelson, the chairman of Motion Picture Group.

With Kahane stepping back into film producing, Westerman, currently president of production and development, will now manage all studio productions under the guidance of Adam Fogelson, the Motion Picture Group’s chairperson.

Since May 2018, Kahane has held the position of Motion Picture Group president, following Lionsgate’s acquisition of Good Universe – the production company co-founded by him and Joe Drake. Drake left Lionsgate in early 2024, creating a path for Fogelson to take over, which hinted at Kahane potentially leaving his role as well.

Previously employed at Good Universe and Disney, Westerman assumed the position of executive vice president of production at Lionsgate in 2017, leading their creative film production team. Now, she has advanced to a higher role, where she will manage all aspects of development and production for Lionsgate’s upcoming theatrical film releases.

Westerman will be under the supervision of Adam Fogelson, head of the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, who stated in a Thursday release: “Erin’s influence on our studio is indisputable. Her dedication and diligence have won her the admiration of her colleagues and talent. Her exceptional storytelling abilities, coupled with her keen judgment when it comes to casting or guiding some of our most valuable intellectual properties, are truly commendable. However, it’s her sharp intellect, unwavering love for cinema, and approachable demeanor that have made Lionsgate a preferred choice for filmmakers who consistently produce their best work here. She is an outstanding leader, and I am eager to collaborate on our upcoming projects.

As a gamer, I’m currently juggling several exciting movie projects in various stages of production or post-production. I’m working with Francis Lawrence on “The Long Walk,” helping out Ruben Fleischer with the sequel to “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” and assisting Paul Feig on his thriller, “The Housemaid.”

I’m also diving into the Michael Jackson biopic, “Michael,” directed by Antoine Fuqua. This one could expand into a two-part series after additional shooting days. Lastly, I’m involved with Marc Webb’s “Day Drinker” among other thrilling projects. It’s a wild ride!

As a devoted cinephile, I’m thrilled about the films in progress under her supervision! Among these exciting projects, we have Luca Guadagnino’s innovative take on American Psycho, the Monopoly movie from Margot Robbie’s LuckyChap Productions, and the Naruto film directed by Destin Daniel Cretton – all are inspired by diverse sources such as manga properties. I can hardly wait to see these stories unfold on the big screen!

Additionally, there’s the reinvention of “The Blair Witch Project,” and from the world of “John Wick,” an animated prequel, an action spinoff, and “John Wick: Chapter Five” are in development. In recent times, Lionsgate has been focusing on producing more “John Witch” action movies and rejuvenating and capitalizing on the “The Hunger Games” franchise.

As an ardent enthusiast, I can’t help but express my excitement about the impending release of “The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping”. Starring the talented Glenn Close, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, and Billy Porter, this production promises to be a spectacle. Notably, it was my privilege to contribute in assembling such an A-list cast under the guidance of Westerman.

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2025-07-17 23:54