Netflix Original Gambles

Streaming is the hot thing over the last couple of years. Every studio is cashing in on it. What you could find on some of the older apps are disappearing. Netflix is one that has lost some big name movies and shows to stuff like Peacock. They got original stuff, but to stay relevant, that's what they will have to rely on. Two movies got mentioned not too long ago.

The first is The Gray Man. It's based on a series of books from author Mark Greaney. He has done many spy type books, including ones done by Tom Clancy after Clancy's passing. The film is being handled by the Russo Brothers (Anthony and Joe) and so far has casted a number of actors. Their Gray Man, according to elitedaily.com, is set to be played by Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans plays the nemesis of Gray Man. Some other notables include Billy Bob Thornton and Alfre Woodard. A very pricey movie at 200 million dollars, beating out The Irishman by about 25 percent more. 

This is a huge gamble. With The Irishman, you have Martin Scorsese and his reputation for stuff like Goodfellas and Casino. You know that cast will be putting up a very strong effort. And Goodfellas was based on a book as well. I'm assuming Gray Man's budget is for one film. I hope it isn't. The Russo's track record is mostly Marvel films. Some of their actors will drive viewers to Netflix. But if they want the book readers, they better follow what made the series of books must reads. Otherwise, this is something that could sink Netflix for a little bit. It's looking like it will come out next year.

The next film is Thunder Force. I'm assuming a bit cheaper, but probably expensive. It's a superhero film helmed by Ben Falcone. This is a comedy with Falcone's wife, Melissa McCarthy, as the lead alongside Octavia Spencer. I'm not sure people will bite on it, but these two actresses do get people interested. How much, I'm not sure. Something a little less serious for Spencer and a little variety to her film resume.  I can't remember the last film McCarthy did lately. There was a couple from a few years ago. I would think this would do okay. Word of mouth will determine whether it gets watched or not. It comes out next month in early April.

I'm sure there's plenty of more examples, but for Netflix to survive, they will have to adapt to modern times. It's a matter of whether long time or newcomer viewers will want to stick to the subscription and if the content justifies the spending of money per month for the films and shows.