Netflix is continuing to up their game with original films, having just announced a partnership with Ricky Gervais to release a comedy called Special Correspondents in 2016. Gervais is writing, directing and starring in the film, which also stars Eric Bana, about a New York radio journalist who “fakes front-line war reports from the comfort of his hideout above a Spanish restaurant in the heart of Manhattan.” Timely, I guess? Gervais says of the deal, via Variety:
Having shaken up the TV industry, Netflix is about to do the same to Hollywood. It’s great to be part of the changing future. Ted Sarandos is the new Godfather of entertainment and he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.
When it comes to television, Ricky Gervais has done great things with The Office, Extras, and Derek, but his theatrical comedy debut, The Invention of Lying, was a little uneven. Assuming he’ll have more creative control this time around (The Invention of Lying was released with Warner Bros.), it’ll be interesting to see where he goes with this one.
