SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS, a new original feature film written and directed by Ricky Gervais and starring Eric Bana (DELIVER US FROM EVIL, LONE SURVIVOR) and Gervais (MUPPETS MOST WANTED, DEREK), will debut worldwide on Netflix next year.
With SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS, as with THE OFFICE & EXTRAS, Gervais has written a hilarious, modern comedy in which 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.
“Special Correspondents is classic Ricky Gervais; smart social satire with heart,” said Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos. “It’s the kind of great grown-up comedy that studios rarely make anymore, one that’s perfect for Netflix members around the world.”
Gervais said’ “Having shaken up the TV industry, Netflix is about to do the same to Hollywood. 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.”
Creator and star of THE OFFICE, EXTRAS, and DEREK, Gervais has won three Golden Globes, two primetime Emmys and seven BAFTAS. THE OFFICE is the most successful British comedy of all time, shown in more than 90 countries with seven remakes. Considered the most influential British comedian since Charlie Chaplin, Gervais is an award winning stand-up comedian, has hosted the Golden Globes three times and has written, directed and acted in the films CEMETERY JUNCTION and THE INVENTION OF LYING.
Eric 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 MUNICH, BLACK HAWK DOWN, HULK, THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE, HANNA, and STAR TREK. He has received Australia’s highest film and TV awards for his performances and will next be seen in director Jim Sheridan‘s THE SECRET SCRIPTURE, Guy Ritchie‘s KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE: KING ARTHUR and THE FINEST HOURS.
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS will not get a theatrical release, meaning it will be ineligible for Oscars contention.
Neflix also bought worldwide rights to upcoming war thriller JADOTVILLE in February and has partnered with Hollywood bigwigs Leonardo DiCaprio and Adam Sandler for separate multi-film deals. Gervais’ sitcom Derek has also screened on Netflix after debuting on UK channel Channel 4.
As well as SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS, Gervais is set to return as THE OFFICE’s David Brent in the feature-length mockumentary LIFE ON THE ROAD. The comedy will focus on Brent’s life as he goes on tour 15 years after being made redundant from Wernham Hogg. The film is expected to be released some time this year.
