Netflix has picked up an impressive new title for streaming release. The video subscription platform has acquired distribution rights to the satirical comedy War Machine, starring Brad Pitt.
Written and directed by David Michôd (of Animal Kingdom fame), War Machine is based on the book The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan by Michael Hastings. That book tells the story of Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who served as the commanding general of international and U.S. forces during a portion of the Afghanistan conflict. Pitt will play a fictional four-star general inspired by McChrystal’s story.
According to Deadline, who originally broke the story, War Machine is the most expensive film acquisition in Netflix’s history. Deadline reports Netflix may have spent somewhere around $30 million to gain distribution rights for the film.
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“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 Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “Brad and David are a perfect team to make this timely, compelling and entertaining film.”
“We are so excited to be a part of the inspiring commitment by Netflix to produce cutting-edge content and to deliver it to a global audience,” added Pitt.
Netflix’s addition of War Machine builds on its previous or upcoming library of films involving A-list Hollywood acting talent. For starters, Netflix inked four-picture deals with both Adam Sandler and the Duplass brothers. Netflix will also distribute the documentary-style films from Leonardo DiCaprio’s Appian Way production house. More recently, the streaming platform picked up a comedy film starring Kevin James.
War Machine is produced by Pitt, his Plan B Productions’ Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, and Ian Bryce. Netflix will likely release War Machine sometimes in late 2016.
