Netflix
Idris Elba in "Beasts Of No Nation."
On Monday, reports came that Netflix was nearing a deal to nab the highly anticipated next film from Cary Fukunaga ("True Detective"), "Beasts Of No Nation."
The film stars Idris Elba and was shot in Ghana last year for $6 million.
The news reveals Netflix's willingness to go up against the big boys, as reports say it outbid the likes of Fox Searchlight and Focus to acquire the film, paying nearly $12 million.
Based on the novel by Uzodinma Iweala, the story follows a child soldier who joins a militant group from an unnamed West African country that is led by a brutal warlord (Elba). The story and talent behind it have all the makings for an award-season contender, but that would mean Netflix would have to release the film theatrically before putting it on its streaming platform to be eligible for Oscar. Netflix has not yet divulged its release plans for the film.
"Beasts Of No Nation" is only the latest movie acquisition from Netflix. Here's a breakdown of other first-run films you'll be seeing from the streaming site in the coming years.
A "Crouching Tiger" sequel
Rico Torres for Netflix Michelle Yeoh stars in the "Crouching Tiger" sequel.
Adam Sandler Movies
Shortly after the "Crouching Tiger" news, Netflix announced it signed Adam Sandler to a four-picture deal exclusively for streaming. Sandler will both produce and star in the films, which are likely to be similar in budget to his past films (ranging from $40 million-$80 million).
Nothing is out yet on what zany storylines we'll get from Sandler, but with this quote from the iconic comedian the day the deal was announced we can bet it will be filled with his classic juvenile humor: "I immediately said yes for one reason and one reason only. Netflix rhymes with Wet Chicks. Let the streaming begin!!!"
Duplass Deal
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New Pee-Wee Movie
Warner Bros.