After a rousing preview at San Diego Comic-Con (see “Comic-Con Helps Kick-Ass”) and a multiple-company bidding process (see “Kick-Ass Deal Approaches”), Lionsgate has acquired domestic rights to the theatrical production Kick-Ass, according to Variety and Hollywood Reporter. 

Money to produce the film, based on the comic by Mark Millar and John Romita, Jr., was raised by director Matthew Vaughn after studio financing was unavailable due to content issues. 

Lionsgate plans a “wide” release in 2010, according to the reports.