Netflix announced Monday that it will release “Special Correspondents,” a new film from British comedian Ricky Gervais.
Gervais wrote and directed the film, in addition to starring in it alongside Eric Bana (“Munich”). Bana plays a struggling New York-based radio journalist, whose arrogance and decadent lifestyle has hindered his career. With his job on the line, he fakes front line war reports from the comfort of his hideout above a Spanish restaurant in the heart of Manhattan.
The film is a co-production between Bron Studios and Unanimous Entertainment. Ricky Gervais, Unanimous’ Chris Coen, Bron’s Aaron L. Gilbert, Manuel Munz and Larry Sanitsky will produce.
“Having shaken up the TV industry, Netflix is about to do the same to Hollywood,” Gervais said in a statement. “It’s great to be part of the changing future. Ted Sarandos is the new Godfather of entertainment and he made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
Gervais has won three Golden Globes, two primetime Emmys and seven BAFTAS in his career. “The Office” — a show Gervais created — is the most successful British comedy of all time, shown in more than 90 countries with seven remakes, including the hit American version starring Steve Carell, which aired for nine seasons.
Bana is one of Australia’s best known actors and began his career as a comedian in the sketch comedy series Full Frontal before winning critical acclaim in the biographical crime film “Chopper.”
Since then, Bana has starred in such films as “Funny People,” “Black Hawk Down” and “Star Trek.” He will next be seen in director Jim Sheridan’s “The Secret Scripture” and Guy Ritchie’s “Knights of the Round Table: King Arthur.”
The comedy continues Netflix’s push into original content. The streaming service is set to release the Marvel series “Daredevil” on April 10, as well as the Adam Sandler movie “The Ridiculous Six” and Judd Apatow-produced “Pee Wee’s Big Holiday.”
“Special Correspondents” will debut worldwide on Netflix in 2016.