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The film is based on the best-selling book of journalist Michael Hastings and is expected to streamed in 2016
Netflix has taken up the distribution rights of War Machine, a satirical comedy featuring Brad Pitt as a four-star military general; the streaming video giant announced it on Monday. The upcoming film, which is expected to release in 2016, follows the story of the fictional version of Stanley McCrystal, a real military general who is on a mission to win a war in Afghanistan.
“War Machine”, which was originally titled “The Operators”, will be produced by Netflix. David Michod, best known for directing 2010 critically acclaimed film “Animal Kingdom”, will serve as both the director and screenwriter of the upcoming project.
Brad Pitt goes to war in new Netflix film: http://t.co/0gy00Wqo7y— Netflix US (@netflix) June 8, 2015
The film is based on the controversial best-selling book of journalist Michael Hastings’ “The Operator: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan” published in 2012 and gives a behind the scene account of General Stanley McCrystal, which he obtained while writing his award-winning article “The Runaway General.” The article led to the resignation of the general McChrystal.
“War Machine is a rip-roaring, behind-the-façade tale of modern war decision makers, from the corridors of power to the distant regions of America’s ambitions,” Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos said in a statement. “Brad and David are a perfect team to make this timely, compelling and entertaining film.”
The film adaptation was initially produced by Brad Pitt’s Plan B alongside New Regency and Brett Ratner’s RatPac Entertainment. Both the later production companies are no longer are part of the film.
War Machine will be Netfix’s biggest investment so far, as the film is reportedly in the $30 million range. The shooting will begin in August 2015. The film will be streamed in next year and will get a theatrical release as well.
Brad Pitt, who will play the lead role in the film, 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.”