Netflix Sets Theatrical Dates for Cary Fukunaga’s ‘Beasts of No Nation,’ Releases First Trailer (Video)

The film starring Idris Elba will premiere on Netflix the same day it is released in 19 Landmark theatre markets

Netflix’s original film, “Beasts of No Nation” will play at 19 Landmark markets, the theater chain announced with the streaming service and Bleecker Street on Thursday.

The film, written and directed by Emmy winner Cary Fukunaga (“True Detective”), stars Idris Elba, and will debut in chosen Landmark theaters, as well as worldwide on Netflix, on Oct. 16.

Landmark theater markets include New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Detroit, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, San Francisco, Boston, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, San Diego and St. Louis.

“Beasts of No Nation” is based on the highly-acclaimed novel by Nigerian author, Uzodinma Iweala. It is about Agu, a child soldier torn from his family to fight in a civil war in Africa. Newcomer Abraham Attah portrays Agu, while Elba plays the role of Commandant — a warlord who takes Agu under his wing.

Fukunaga’s film will be screening at Venice Film Festival and at the Toronto Film Festival in September.

The film is produced by Amy Kaufman and Fukunaga, who previously worked together on “Sin Nombre.” Other producers include Daniela Taplin Lundberg, Riva Marker, Dan Crown for Red Crown Productions, along with Elba.

Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King are executive producing for Participant Media, while Donna Gigliotti is executive producing for Levantine Films. Elizabeth Koch and Kristina Kendall are executive producing for New Balloon, while Bill Benenson, Laura Bickford and Todd Courtney are also executive producers.

Fukunaga made his directorial debut with “Sin Nombre,” which earned him the directing award at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. He also directed the 2011 film, “Jane Eyre.” More recently, he directed the entire first season of “True Detective,” which he also executive produced.

Elba earned a Golden Globe nomination for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela 2013 biopic “Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom,” and starred alongside Taraji P. Henson in 2014 thriller “No Good Deed.” He was also recently in Pierre Morel’s “The Gunman” alongside Sean Penn and Javier Bardem.

Netflix also released the movie’s first trailer on Thursday.

Watch the video above.

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