Netflix Acquires film THE STARLING, Sets Release For Issa Rae comedy movie THE LOVEBIRDS

Netflix picks up streaming rights in sizable deal, sets date for rom-com

The streaming giant Netflix is thriving during this period of social distancing. Between their hit documentary shows and their recent valuation of being worth more than Disney, the streaming giant has gained even more industry clout. And they’re using that clout to make quite a purchase.

THE STARLING

The company has recently acquired distribution rights to The Starling, an upcoming drama starring Melissa McCarthy, Chris O’Dowd, Kevin Kline, and Timothy Olyphant. The film follows McCarthy and O’Dowd as a married couple attempting to cope after a shared tragedy. McCarthy’s character turns to gardening as an outlet, but seeks out veterinary help when she becomes harassed by a perturbed, neighboring starling.

Rumors suggest Netflix paid $20 million for the project based on the script and a sizzle reel alone. This is the second big sale for two of the film’s producers, Dylan Sellers and Chris Parker, whose film Palm Springs sold to Neon and Hulu at Sundance for $22 million.

The Starling is currently in post-production, and is directed by Hidden Figures’ helmer Ted Melfi. Daveed Diggs, Sklyer Gisondo, Loretta Devine, Laura Harrier, Rosalind Chao, and Kimberley Quinn also star in the film. Rumors suggest that the company is eyeing an awards season release.

THE LOVEBIRDS

Netflix has also set the delayed rom-com The Lovebirds for release on May 22, 2020. The romantic comedy comes from director Michael Showalter, and stars Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani as a couple who are on the run from criminals during their date night.

The Lovebirds was originally set to be released by Paramount on April 3, after debuting at SXSW back in March. But after the festival was cancelled, Paramount sold the distribution rights to Netflix. The company said they would release the film later this year before settling on its Memorial Day Weekend date.

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