5 deals that prove Netflix wants to be taken seriously in the movie business

Jason GuerrasioMar 4, 2015, 18:35 IST

First Netflix made its mark on original television programing with shows like "Orange Is The New Black" and "House of Cards," finding rabid fans and critical acclaim. Now the company is setting its sights on feature films.

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 NetflixMichelle Yeoh stars in the "Crouching Tiger" sequel.Last September news broke that Netflix inked a deal to release a sequel to Ang Lee's Oscar-winning "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Titled, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend," the film will be released day-and-date in theaters and Netflix on August 28. Details have not come out about the sequel but we're planning for lots of swords and people floating on branches.

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

Netflix came out of this year's Sundance Film Festival making a deal with one of the fest's most successful alumni, Mark and Jay Duplass. Like Sandler, the brothers got a four-picture deal but their titles will stream and get limited theatrical windows. If you've ever seen the Duplass' HBO series "Togetherness," or any of their intimate low-budget movies ("Jeff, Who Lives At Home," "Cyrus"), we're pretty confident their four films will cost as much as one of Sandler's.

New Pee-Wee Movie

After years of rumors of a new Pee-Wee Herman movie, last October Paul Reubens began making the rounds confirming there was in fact a new movie in the works and Judd Apatow was producing it. Then in December came word that Netflix will be the home for the film. No word yet on when it will show up on the site, but, if you need your Pee-Wee fix, Netflix currently has everything from "Pee-Wee's Playhouse" to his previous movies. So throw on your red bowtie and start the binge.

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5 deals that prove Netflix wants to be taken seriously in the movie business

NOW WATCH: Mark Cuban: Here's Why Netflix Won't Kill TV