Netflix has ordered a baseball documentary about the Montreal Expos’ contentious exit from Canada in 2004. The project falls under Netflix’s partnership with the Montreal-based production house Attraction, who signed a first-look deal with the streamer in November 2023.
Jean-François Poisson will direct the documentary, with Attraction’s head producer, Marie-Christine Pouliot, and president Richard Speer executive producing. Variety first reported the news Wednesday morning.
“It is with great pride and enthusiasm that Attraction announces the first project to result from our partnership with Netflix,” Speer said in a statement. “The Expos were the first MLB team outside of the US, and despite their departure from Montreal, they continue to have passionate fans to this day. This film will tell the story of the team through the eyes of those who lived it.”
Netflix’s official synopsis reads: “The untitled documentary film will explore the setbacks that led to the departure of Quebec’s beloved Expos from Montreal, and how it continues to spark debate 20 years later.”
The Expos controversially left Montreal for Washington D.C. at the end of the 2004 MLB season. The organization dropped the Expos nickname to become the Washington Nationals.
What Other Baseball Projects Have Been Announced at Netflix?
The Expos documentary comes a few weeks after Netflix announced two new projects involving the Boston Red Sox.
The first series will follow the 2024 Red Sox season from start to finish, featuring interviews with players, coaches, and executives. The series will be filmed in 2024 for a 2025 release.
The other project is a documentary examining the 2004 Red Sox, who famously won their first World Series title since 1918. The doc will stream later in 2024.
