Netflix acquires Brad Pitt’s McChrystal satire ‘War Machine’

  • By Jake Coyle Associated Press
  • Monday, June 8, 2015 12:39pm
  • Business

NEW YORK — Netflix has acquired the satirical comedy “War Machine,” with Brad Pitt set to star as General Stanley McChrystal, adding a major dose of star power to the streaming service’s growing stable of original films.

Netflix, which announced the acquisition Monday, will produce the film, to be directed by Australian filmmaker David Michod (“Animal Kingdom,” “The Rover”). Shooting is set to begin in August, with the movie scheduled for release on Netflix sometime next year.

“War Machine” is based on Michael Hastings’ book “The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan.” Hastings penned the infamous 2010 Rolling Stone profile of McChrystal that led to his resignation. The book and profile were based on weeks of nearly unfettered access to the general in 2010.

“War Machine is a rip-roaring, behind-the-facade tale of modern war decision-makers, from the corridors of power to the distant regions of America’s ambitions,” said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer for Netflix.

Netflix has steadily made inroads into the movie business, promising to upend its traditional theatrical window system and more quickly debut movies to its 60 million-plus subscribers, following a limited release in theaters.

Netflix has inked deals with the Weinstein Co. for a “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” sequel, a new Pee-wee Herman movie with Judd Apatow, and a series of comedies with Adam Sandler. Other plans include a movie with Ricky Gervais, a documentary deal with Leonardo DiCapiro and a four-picture deal with Mark and Jay Duplass.

With sometimes splashy acquisition prices, Netflix also has picked up Cary Fukunaga’s “Beasts of No Nation” at the Sundance Film Festival and Richie Smyth’s “Jadotville” at the Berlin Film Festival.

Two Netflix-distributed documentaries — “Virunga” and “The Square” — have earned the company its first two Oscar nominations. Now, with the pedigrees of Michod and Pitt, it could be aiming for Oscars in the fiction film categories too.

“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,” Pitt said in a statement.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Business

Lily Lamoureux stacks Weebly Funko toys in preparation for Funko Friday at Funko Field in Everett on July 12, 2019.  Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Everett-based Funko ousts its CEO after 14 months

The company, known for its toy figures based on pop culture, named Michael Lunsford as its interim CEO.

The livery on a Boeing plane. (Christopher Pike / Bloomberg)
Former Lockheed Martin CFO joins Boeing as top financial officer

Boeing’s Chief Financial Officer is being replaced by a former CFO at… Continue reading

Izaac Escalante-Alvarez unpacks a new milling machine at the new Boeing machinists union’s apprentice training center on Friday, June 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists union training center opens in Everett

The new center aims to give workers an inside track at Boeing jobs.

Some SnoCo stores see shortages after cyberattack on grocery supplier

Some stores, such as Whole Foods and US Foods CHEF’STORE, informed customers that some items may be temporarily unavailable.

People take photos and videos as the first Frontier Arlines flight arrives at Paine Field Airport under a water cannon salute on Monday, June 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Water cannons salute Frontier on its first day at Paine Field

Frontier Airlines joins Alaska Airlines in offering service Snohomish County passengers.

Amit B. Singh, president of Edmonds Community College. 201008
Edmonds College and schools continue diversity programs

Educational diversity programs are alive and well in Snohomish County.

A standard jet fuel, left, burns with extensive smoke output while a 50 percent SAF drop-in jet fuel, right, puts off less smoke during a demonstration of the difference in fuel emissions on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sustainable aviation fuel center gets funding boost

A planned research and development center focused on sustainable aviation… Continue reading

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

Pharmacist John Sontra and other employees work on calling customers to get their prescriptions transferred to other stores from the Bartell Drugs Pharmacy on Hoyt Avenue on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Bartell Drugs location shutters doors in Everett

John Sontra, a pharmacist at the Hoyt Avenue address for 46 years, said Monday’s closure was emotional.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.