Netflix’s Red Notice is, as previously established, the only movie that matters. It’s a “globe-trotting, action-comedy, heist thriller” starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, as an Interpol agent who’s after the world’s most wanted art thief, and Gal Gadot, as the aforementioned art thief; Ryan Reynolds was also added to the cast, presumably reprising his role as Detective Pikachu. That’s a lot of A-list famous people and an expensive-sounding premise, so no one balked at the reported $160 million price tag (it’s been called Netflix’s “biggest commitment to a feature film” ever). But that might be underselling Red Notice‘s budget.
Variety reports that “the budget for Red Notice could hit $200 million when additional fees are taken into account,” including $20 million for Reynolds, another $20 million for Gadot, and even more for Johnson, “given his role as a primary producer. The final numbers could also increase by several million dollars in light of Netflix’s standard practice of paying additional for finishing and delivering films to its service.” Writer-director Rawson Marshall Thurber (Central Intelligence, Skyscraper) is also set for a $10 million payday:
Red Notice was originally set up at Universal Pictures. This month, Universal gave the filmmakers the option to shop the project to other studios. Films such as Red Notice that are not based on pre-existing intellectual property have faced fierce headwinds at the theatrical box office… But the chance to be in business with three of Hollywood’s hottest stars was irresistible for Netflix, which is looking to lock down big projects as it prepares to do battle with Disney and HBO’s new streaming services. Bidding for Red Notice was competitive; Paramount also made a play for the film.
While I’m happy Netflix is spending a ton of money on an original idea, I’m slightly disappointed that I won’t be able to see Gal Gadot: Art Thief on the biggest screen possible. Maybe I’ll rent out an IMAX theater, just this once.
(Via Variety)
