Netflix is making another bold move into film production, joining with Brad Pitt’s Plan B to produce Afghanistan-set satirical comedy War Machine.
Written and to be directed by David Michod (Animal Kingdom) with Pitt in the lead role, the film will premiere on Netflix and in select theatres next year. Production is scheduled to kick off in August.
Netflix and Pitt are producing, along with Pitt’s Plan B partners Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, and producer Ian Bryce (World War Z).
Understood to be Netflix’s biggest movie investment to date, the film is inspired by the best-selling book The Operators: The Wild And Terrifying Inside Story Of America’s War In Afghanistan by the late Michael Hastings.
Pitt will play a character loosely based on the former commander of US troops in Afghanistan, Stanley A. McChrystal, featured in the book.
“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. Brad and David are a perfect team to make this timely, compelling and entertaining film,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos.
Pitt said: “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.”