Ricky Gervais‘ Special Correspondent, which he will direct and star in alongside Eric Bana, is yet another film to be housed under Netflix’s movie distribution model. Having acquired Cary Fukunaga‘s much-buzzed Beasts of No Nation and producing new films from Adam Sandler, Pee-Wee Herman and the Duplass brothers, they continue their film plans by acquiring the new comedy, continuing their working relationship with Gervais, which began when they streamed the comedian’s BBC sitcom Derek.
Variety reports plans are to release Special Correspondent next year worldwide, and according to Karen Barragan, Netflix’s spokewoman, the satire will not have a theatrical release, and will premiere exclusively on the site.
Does this mean, after their debacles with major theater chains concerning Beast of No Nation and that Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon sequel Netflix has turned to releasing their film acquisitions exclusively on their site? Time will only tell, it seems.
“Having shaken up the TV industry, Netflix is about to do the same to Hollywood,” Gervais said of the deal. “It’s great to be part of the changing future. Ted Sarandos [head of content acquisition for Netflix] is the new Godfather of entertainment and he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
Special Correspondent centers on a struggling radio journalist from New York (Bana) who hindered his career thanks to his arrogant attitude. In a last-ditch effort to salve his journalism career, he fakes reporting on the front line of war.
Production is set to start later this year, under a screenplay Gervais wrote. This marks the comedic personality’s third movie, behind The Invention of Lying and Cemetery Junction, but his first as the sole director. He also has David Brent spin-off movie Life on the Road in the works as well.
