Netflix has held its own against the big TV networks in terms of original programming, and reports say the streaming service shelled out $6 billion this year alone on that front. But, with all the exciting films and series coming down the pipeline, this next one could become its biggest get yet.
According toThe Hollywood Reporter, Netflix is looking to snagBright, a supernatural cop thriller from directorDavid Ayer, actorsWill SmithandJoel Edgerton, and writerMax Landis(Chronicle). While the trade notes that “the deal is far from done,” Netflix has risen to the top of the bidding war and currently in negotiations to acquire the rights.
Netflix broke into the movie business withBeasts of No Nation, directed byCary Fukunaga(True Detective) and starringIdris Elbaand the youngAbraham Attah, and has been moving aggressively since.Brightis a production with a budget of $80 million-$100 million that required a production commitment up front. The combination of Ayer and Smith also make it buzz-worthy; Ayer directedSuicide Squadfor Warner Bros. with Smith cast as DC villain Deadshot.
Brightsees a world in which magical creatures and humans live together, and a special division of the police handles supernatural-related crimes. Smith portrays a human cop who is forced to work with an orc (played by Edgerton) in order to find a powerful wand for which others would kill to obtain. The project is being described as a midway point between Ayer’sEnd of Watchand 1988’sAlien Nation.
As we await more information on this intriguing project, Netflix is preparing to release the second season ofDaredevilthis month, featuringJon BernthalandElodie Yungas Marvel characters Punisher and Elektra. Other high-profile debuts coming down the road areLemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Eventsseries and more seasons of original TV, includingUnbreakable Kimmy Schmidtand theDefenderslineup.
