Netflix Announces Dates for First Round of Feature Films, Including Cary Fukunaga’s ‘Beasts of No Nation’

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Netflix has announced the release dates for its premiere batch of original feature films. The first will be the Cary Fukunaga-directed Beasts of No Nation, slated for a October 16th release. Based on Uzodinma Iweala’s novel of the same name, and starring Idris Elba, the story revolves around a young boy recruited to fight in an African civil war.Adam Sandler’s The Ridiculous Sixwhich sparked controversy back in April due to its portrayal of Apache culture— is next in line for a Netflix premiere on December 11th. It will the first of four Netflix-exclusive Sandler films (yes, four).

For early 2016, they have Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend lined up, which is directed by Yuen Woo-Ping and stars Michelle Yeoh, reprising her role as Yu Shu-Lien. Also, Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday will arrive in March of 2016.

Netflix’s recent purchase of Brad Pitt’s War Machine underscored just how intent the home streaming service is on becoming a big player in production and distribution. With the increasing reluctance on the part of studios to back projects that aren’t guaranteed box office mega-success (hello Jurassic World and the never ending reboots), Netflix could become a welcome alternative for filmmakers.