Netflix has paid $100 million for a Will Smith movie
The streaming platform has acquired 'Bright', a supernatural cop thriller directed by 'Suicide Squad''s own David Ayer
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Netflix's hustle on the cinematic game just landed a huge win; it's set to fund the newest film from Will Smith and his Suicide Squad director David Ayer.
Entitled Bright, the story's so far been described as a supernatural cop thriller; Variety's sources suggest the film will strike a tone similar to Ayer's own End of Watch, imagining a past world in which orcs and fairies live amongst humans. Joel Edgerton will also star alongside Smith.
The streaming platform's $100M bid has seen them fend off interest from both Sony and Warner Bros; but it's Netflix who have come out on top, and are now on the verge of inking the groundbreaking deal.
Certainly, it's the largest amount of money the company's ever splashed out on with a film, even after their high-profile deal for Adam Sandler's The Ridiculous Six.
With Den of Geek reporting an estimated $80M-100M budget, it does seem incredibly likely Bright will land a cinematic release; which may prove an even more substantial move than its fairly low-key arthouse release of the Idris Elba-starring Beasts of No Nation.
No word on when production will commence, though it'll presumably happen soon to prevent clashes with the already greenlit sequel for Suicide Squad, pitched to shoot in 2017.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments