Netflix is riding high at the moment. The Will Smith-led Bright was a huge hit for the platform with audiences streaming the movie a lot. Hot on the heels of the announcement of a sequel to the modern fantasy, Netflix is continuing to up its feature film game. The streaming giant's movie division has struck a deal with Matt Reeves and his 6th & Idaho production company. This deal gives Netflix an exclusive first look on any feature films that Matt Reeves wants to produce and/or direct through the 6th & Idaho banner.
According to Deadline, this deal marks 6th & Idaho's shift from a previous first look deal at Fox. The deal gives Netflix the right to have the first crack at any film produced or directed by Matt Reeves through his production company. So Netflix will essentially be able to call dibs on films that may have otherwise wound up on theater screens. The War for the Planet of the Apes helmer is tackling The Batman solo film next, which will not be on the platform, but future films he directs or produces through 6th & Idaho have a good chance of landing on the streaming service.
In addition to the Apes franchise, Matt Reeves has proven a versatile director in both film and television. He directed the horror remake Let Me In and the sci-fi action film Cloverfield. Netflix is probably hoping that Matt Reeves and his production company will bring this type of genre fare to the platform. While Beasts of No Nation and Mudbound may garner awards buzz, the big budget genre stuff is what really brings in viewers, be it at the theater or on the couch.
It is fascinating that a company that started by mailing DVDs to people's houses then turned to streaming and creating original shows, and now it is becoming a major player in the movies realm. Just yesterday, we reported on a trailer for Netflix's action-comedy, Game Over, Man! and now the company has snagged a deal with one of Hollywood's most in-demand filmmakers and his production company. Netflix believes that even though its series are the bread and butter, having movies is also very important. Of course, these sort of big moves are necessary to keep Netflix ahead of the competition. With a Disney streaming service, bolstered with Fox assets, on the horizon, Netflix has to continue to offer new and original content and differentiate itself from what else is out there.
Matt Reeves is a talented filmmaker, and it will be interesting to watch and see what he brings to Netflix. While that may take some time, there are plenty of series and movies coming to the streaming platform in the coming months. Check out our Netflix premiere schedule to see your binging future.
