NEW YORK — Netflix has acquired the satirical comedy “War Machine,” with Brad Pitt set to star as Gen. Stanley McChrystal, adding a major dose of star power to the streaming service’s growing stable of original programming.
Netflix, which announced the acquisition Monday, will produce the film, to be directed by Australian filmmaker David Michod (“Animal Kingdom,” ”The Rover”). Shooting is set to begin in August, with the movie scheduled for release on Netflix sometime next year.
“War Machine” is based on Michael Hastings’ book “The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan.” Hastings penned the infamous 2010 Rolling Stone profile of McChrystal that led to his resignation. The book and profile were based on weeks of nearly unfettered access to the general in 2010.
“War Machine is a rip-roaring, behind-the-facade tale of modern war decision-makers, from the corridors of power to the distant regions of America’s ambitions,” said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix.
Netflix has steadily made inroads into the movie business, promising to upend its traditional theatrical window system and more quickly debut movies to its 60 million-plus subscribers, following a limited release in theaters.
Netflix has inked deals with the Weinstein Co. for a “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” sequel, a new Pee-wee Herman movie with Judd Apatow, and a series of comedies with Adam Sandler. Other plans include a movie with Ricky Gervais, a documentary deal with Leonardo DiCapiro and a four-picture deal with Mark and Jay Duplass.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
-
Maine Crime
Central Maine Feb. 26 police log
-
Local & State
West Gardiner teen becomes Maine’s first female Eagle Scout
-
Amy Calder
Amy Calder: Seeking answers to her daughter’s last days from 3,000 miles away
-
Maine Crime
Whitefield family’s farmstand destroyed by tractor driver
-
Business
U.S. consumers boost spending 2.4% as income jumps
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi {SUB NAME}, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have one? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login to participate in the conversation. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.