Netflix dates its first run of films; Beasts of No Nation, Pee-wee & more

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Netflix scooping up the rights to Cary Fukunaga's (True Detective) BEASTS OF NO NATION was a big turn in regards to feature-film distribution, and that was just the beginning. We've known about several of Netflix's film projects for some time now, but they've just revealed the  release dates for their first slate of films, so prepare accordingly! Here's what's coming up as well as a short synopsis for each and a release date.

BEASTS OF NO NATION

Based on the highly acclaimed novel by Nigerian author Uzodinma Iweala and directed by Cary Fukunaga, bringing to life the gripping tale of Agu, a child soldier torn from his family to fight in the civil war of an African country. Newcomer Abraham Attah gives a stunning portrayal of Agu, while Idris Elba dominates the screen in the role of Commandant, a warlord who takes in Agu and instructs him in the ways of war.

Premiering in all Netflix territories and select theaters on October 16, 2015.

THE RIDICULOUS SIX

A comedic western ensemble produced by Adam Sandler and Allen Covert. The film was directed by Frank Coraci (The Wedding Singer) and written by Tim Herlihy (Pixels) and Adam Sandler.

Premiering in all Netflix territories and select theaters on December 11, 2015.

CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON: THE GREEN LEGEND

Directed by Yuen Wo-Ping (Tai Chi Master), who was also the action choreographer on CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, the film stars Michelle Yeoh, reprising her role as Yu Shu-Lien; Donnie Yen as Silent Wolf, Harry Shum Jr and Jason Scott Lee. THE GREEN LEGEND echoes the themes of the original movie but tells its own story – one of lost love, young love, a legendary sword and one last opportunity at redemption, set against breathtaking action in an epic martial arts battle between good and evil that will decide the fate of the Martial World.

Premiering theatrically in China and on Netflix and IMAX in the First Quarter of 2016.

PEE-WEE'S BIG HOLIDAY

A fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger inspires Pee-wee Herman to take his first-ever holiday in this epic story of friendship and destiny. Judd Apatow and Paul Reubens worked together to bring the project to fruition and produced the film. It was written by Reubens and Paul Rust (Comedy Bang! Bang!, Arrested Development), and is directed by John Lee (Wonder Showzen, The Heart She Holler).

Premiering in all Netflix territories and select theaters on March 2016.

There's no question that Netflix has changed the landscape as far as TV shows are concerned, so I'm curious to see how feature films fare on the popular streaming service. This first run is only the beginning, as they've already announced that the Brad Pitt vehicle, WAR MACHINE (unrelated to Marvel), will be next up on it's slate. The face of theatrical films is changing, but at what rate is unclear. As long as they don't come up with 5D, where I feel like I'm getting punched in the face during a Bond movie, I think theaters will be around for a while yet.

Can Idris Elba not look like a badass? Nah, I didn't think so.