Brad Pitt Will Star in Netflix Satirical War Comedy
This is pretty big news today, Netflix announced today that box office mega star Brad Pitt will star in and co-produce “War Machine”, an original comedy movie written by David Michôd. Netflix is making a clear grab to be a major player in the movie business, bringing in giant film stars and projects, with Pitt being the latest. The Netflix film will get a full theatrical release, and also be available to Netflix Members Globally in 2016. Acclaimed best selling author David Michôd wrote the film and will also direct.
Inspired by a best selling book also penned by Michôd, “War Machine” follows a four star, rock star general with a lethal reputation and stellar rack record who finds himself in command of the American War in Afghanistan. Determined to win the impossible war once and for all with a radical new approach, the general and his staff race across the globe. They’re navigating delicate alliances worldwide, wading their way through Washington politics, trying to handle the media, all while dealing with the day-to-day management of the war itself. Michod’s best selling book, “The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan by the late Michael Hastings” which is the basis for the new film, was originally published in 2012. Michaud said he is “humbled to be making a big, bold movie about the whole sprawling, complex, cumbersome and crazy machinery of modern war and the many lives it touches.”
“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 Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “Brad and David are a perfect team to make this timely, compelling and entertaining film.”
Pitt added, “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.”
The film is described as provocative and thought provoking. Comedy films about war have a long and impressive history, and Pitt has films like Dr. Strangelove and Wag the Dog to live up to. But Pitt’s role in Inglorious Basterds should be good preparation.
Coming in 2016.
