The Wagner/Cuban Company's Magnet Releasing, genre arm of Magnolia Pictures, announced today they have acquired US rights to Hammer of the Gods, a Viking epic from Vertigo Films and Protagonist Pictures. The feature film debut of Farren Blackburn, Hammer of the Gods is a visceral, intense action film starring Charlie Bewley (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2, Like Crazy) and James Cosmo (Braveheart, Game of Thrones), produced by Rupert Preston and Huberta Von Liel. Magnet acquired the film from a promo screened at AFM.

Set in the violent world of Viking Britain in 871 AD, Hammer of the Gods is the story of a young Viking warrior, Steinar (Bewley), sent by his father the King (Cosmo) on a quest to find his estranged brother, who was banished from the kingdom many years before. Steinar's epic journey across hostile territory gradually sees him emerge as the man his father wants him to be - the ruthless and unforgiving successor to his throne.

Magnet will release the film in 2013 through its trendsetting Ultra VOD program, where it has had considerable success with period action films, notably Centurion, Black Death and 13 Assassins. Here's what Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles had to say.

"Hammer of the Gods has all the makings of a tremendously thrilling and stylish action film. We are very happy to be in business again with the wonderful people at Vertigo Films."

Producer and Vertigo Films partner Rupert Preston also released a statement regarding the news.

"We are all excited to be working again with the team at Magnolia Pictures who were such a strong US partner on Monsters and Bronson. Their excitement and enthusiasm for Hammer of the Gods was apparent from the start, and we look forward to another successful collaboration."

The deal was negotiated by for Magnet by SVP Dori Begley with Mike Goodridge of Protagonist Pictures.