Netflix Picks Up Ricky Gervais Comedy Film ‘Special Correspondents’ Starring Eric Bana

Netflix will welcome another acquired title to its ever-expanding entertainment library. The streaming video platform has picked up the comedy Special Correspondents, created by English comedian Ricky Gervais and starring Eric Bana.

Directed and written by Gervais , Special Correspondents introduces viewers to a New York City radio journalist (Bana) whose career is constantly hindered by his extravagant lifestyle and inflated ego. Desperate to prove he can do his job, the journalist starts serving up fake front-line war reports, all safely from his hideout above a Manhattan-based Spanish restaurant.

“Special Correspondents is classic Ricky Gervais; smart social satire with heart,” said Netflix’s Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos in a release. “It’s the kind of great grown-up comedy that studios rarely make anymore, one that’s perfect for Netflix members around the world.”

“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,” added Gervais, who previously brought his David Brent

character from the UK’s The Office to YouTube’s Comedy Week. “Ted Sarandos is the new Godfather of entertainment and he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”

This isn’t the first time Gervais has teamed up with Netflix; the comedian previously created and starred in the platform’s original series Derek. For Special Correspondents, Gervais will play a role in the film and produce the feature, in addition to his writing and directing positions. Chris Coen of Unanimous Entertainment, Aaron L. Gilbert of Bron Studios, Manuel Munz, and Larry Sanitsky will co-produce Special Correspondents alongside Gervais.

No release date has been announced for Special Correspondents as of yet, but Netflix notes it will be available sometime in 2016.