Netflix Teams With Ricky Gervais for Comedy Film ‘Special Correspondents’

April 06, 2015 4 hours ago by Erik Hayden

Eric Bana will also star in the film, to be released in 2016.

Netflix has picked up a satirical movie by Ricky Gervais about a radio journalist who resorts to faking stories.

The film, titled Special Correspondents, features Gervais starring alongside Eric Bana and is slated to debut next year, Netflix announced on Monday.

The project, written and directed by Gervais, remakes a 2009 film by Frédéric Auburtin. It is co-produced by Bron Studios and Unanimous Entertainment.

"Special Correspondents is classic Ricky Gervais; smart social satire with heart," read a statement from 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."

The project was announced at American Film Market last October and a month later Sony Pictures Worldwide picked up overseas distribution rights in several countries.  

The comedy film is the latest project from The Office creator and the streaming service. Two seasons of Gervais' comedy Derek were released by Netflix, and the service recently added a special of the show on April 3.

“Having shaken up the TV industry, Netflix is about to do the same to Hollywood," read Gervais' 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."