Anthony and Joe Russo’s production company AGBO, behind actioners like the Citadel franchise for Prime Video and The Gray Man and Extraction for Netflix, has formally hired a veteran game executive as its pushes further into immersive entertainment.
Pete Wanat, formerly vp at Universal Pictures Digital Platforms Group and most recently at mobile developer Nifty Games, has been named president of interactive technology at AGBO, the company said on Thursday.
“Pete’s unparalleled expertise and deep understanding of game development and interactive platforms will allow us to seamlessly integrate our characters and stories into new, unforgettable projects,” said AGBO partner Donald Mustard. “With his leadership, we can create expansive universes that extend across film, television, and gaming — offering audiences deeper ways to engage with our stories.”
The Los Angeles-based company, founded in 2017 as the directing duo were working on Marvel blockbusters Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, broadened its ambitions five years later when it sold a $400 million minority stake to Nexon Co., the global video game maker.
In 2023 AGBO hired Mustard, co-creator of Fortnite, and added Chris Brearton, former head of MGM Studios, shortly after. The banner has also hired Dr. Dominic Hughes to oversee storytelling using artificial intelligence tools. While AGBO lists upcoming film and TV projects — including a Citadel spinoff for Amazon and an adaptation of The Electric State for Netflix — it hasn’t yet publicly disclosed what its major foray into gaming or interactive entertainment will be yet.
Wanat’s background is as a video game producer including working on Universal franchises like Jurassic World, Despicable Me and Fast & Furious along with familiar brands like Aliens, LEGO, South Park and pro sports titles with the NFL, NBA, and MLB. The exec will report to AGBO chief creative officer Angela Russo-Otstot.
“AGBO is at the forefront of empowering artists to innovate by incorporating their original IP into new forms of interactive entertainment,” said Wanat. “I look forward to leveraging my deep passion and experience in gaming to support the in-house teams, expand the studio’s capabilities, and build upon AGBO’s culture of innovation and collaboration.”