Magus Films is expanding its operations into U.K. film distribution, marking a significant new chapter for the company founded by veteran film marketing and distribution consultant Jonathan Sadler. The company’s first project under the new initiative will be the theatrical and digital release of Empire of Lies, directed by Matthew Hope, with a U.K. launch scheduled for March 21.
Under the new distribution arm, Magus Films will oversee the film’s full U.K. release strategy, while international sales duties have been secured by Exit 44 Entertainment, which will represent Empire of Lies in territories worldwide. The move positions Magus Films not only as a marketing consultancy but as a hands-on distributor aiming to bridge the gap between independent filmmakers and viable commercial release pathways.
Directed by Hope, whose previous credits include The Veteran and All the Devil’s Men, Empire of Lies stars Joseph Millson (Casino Royale, The Last Kingdom) in the lead role. Millson plays David “Dave” Harris, a withdrawn and isolated man living on the margins of society. The film centers on Harris agreeing to an interview about the long-unsolved murder of his daughter—an encounter that gradually evolves into an intense psychological interrogation.
As the questioning progresses, Harris’ long-held belief that he was framed by the State begins to fracture. The narrative blurs the boundaries between truth and delusion, obsession and memory, forcing both the protagonist and the audience to confront the possibility that the story he has clung to for years may not be as clear-cut as he believes.
Sadler, who has worked across film marketing, distribution and home entertainment since the late 1990s, described the expansion into distribution as a natural evolution of his career. Speaking about the launch, he said he has always viewed himself “first and foremost as a distributor,” even while occupying marketing-focused roles for much of his professional life.
“What interests me now is giving finished independent films a realistic route into the market through an experienced marketing and distribution lens,” Sadler said. “That means shaping creative strategy, audience positioning and partnerships in a joined-up way, rather than treating release as an afterthought.”
He added that Empire of Lies represented the ideal opportunity to make the leap into U.K. theatrical distribution in a direct and practical way. At this stage, Magus Films plans to work on a project-by-project basis, collaborating closely with filmmakers to ensure completed films receive carefully considered releases. While the immediate focus is on the U.K. market, Sadler emphasized that digital platforms and international opportunities will remain a core part of the company’s strategy, as demonstrated by the partnership with Exit 44 Entertainment.
Sadler also praised Hope as “a confident, distinctive filmmaker,” highlighting the director’s ability to balance genre storytelling with psychological depth. Hope, in turn, welcomed the collaboration and the film’s role in launching Magus Films’ new distribution approach.
“I’m excited to be working again with Jon,” Hope said, “and to be launching Empire of Lies as part of this new release strategy for independent films.”
With its first theatrical release imminent, Magus Films’ expansion into distribution signals a broader push to support independent cinema with integrated marketing and release strategies—an approach that aims to give smaller films a stronger chance to connect with audiences in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
