Netflix makes its biggest deal yet by buying Brad Pitt's next movie
Based on the best-selling book "The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan," Pitt will be playing a four-star general whose "lethal reputation and impeccable track record vaults him to command the American war in Afghanistan," according to a Netflix press release.
The film, which Pitt is producing, will be available exclusively to Netflix subscribers and released in select theaters next year.
"The Operators" was acquired for a number "in the range of $30 million," according to reports, which makes it the biggest feature film acquisition buy for Netflix in its history.
Previously, Netflix's largest acquired film was the period war drama "Jadotville," starring "Fifty Shades of Grey" star Jamie Dornan, at the Berlin Film Festival for $17 million. "Jadotville" will also be released in 2016.
"Global" is an important word these days at Netflix, as it rapidly expands its service worldwide. Earlier this month it was reported that Netflix is now available in Italy, Portugal, and Spain. A move on a project with A-list backing like Pitt shows that it is seeking out content that will appease a global market.
Having Pitt also builds Netflix's stable of movie talent.
The company already has deals with Adam Sandler, the Duplass brothers, and just recently inked a feature comedy by Ricky Gervais.
Netflix also has a possible award season contender in the acquisition of the much buzzed about Cary Fukunaga project "Beasts of No Nation," which will be out later this year to Netflix members and theatrically.