Netflix Acquires Melissa McCarthy and Timothy Olyphant's THE STARLING For Around $20 Million
Netflix has paid around $20 million dollars for Melissa McCarthy’s upcoming film project titled The Starling. The streaming service paid that amount based on a script and a sizzle reel that was being shopped around. The film also has a great cast attached that includes Kevin Kline, Chris O’Dowd, and Timothy Olyphant. Other studios that tried to get it included 101 Studios, Lionsgate and Sony 3000.
In the story, “McCarthy and O’Dowd play a married couple trying to rebuild their relationship after suffering a tragedy. While her husband heads off to deal with his grief in recovery, Lily Maynard tries to heal in the real world, one that becomes surreal when she grows a beautiful garden in their backyard, only to find herself repeatedly attacked by a starling that has built a nearby nest. She turns to a psychiatrist-turned-veterinarian with baggage all his own (Kline) who tries to help Lily with her bird problem and ends up making a larger impact on her life.”
That seems like an interesting story, but the film must have ended up being incredible for Netflix to want to fork over $20 million for it! That’s a lot of freakin’ money!
The film was written by Matt Harris and it was directed by Ted Melfi, and Daveed Diggs (Blindspotting), Skyler Gisondo (Santa Clarita Diet), Loretta Devine (Night School), Laura Harrier (BlacKkKlansman), Rosalind Chao (Mulan) and Kimberly Quinn (Hidden Figures) have also joined the cast in supporting roles.
Source: Deadline