Ricky Gervais Doing Netflix Comedy Film

BEVERLY HILLS: Ricky Gervais is writing and directing a new original feature film, Special Correspondents, which will debut worldwide on Netflix next year.

The comedic film will star Eric Bana (Deliver Us From Evil, Lone Survivor) and Gervais (Muppets Most Wanted, Derek). Bana is set to play a struggling New York-based radio journalist, whose arrogance and decadent lifestyle has hindered his career. When his job is on the line, he fakes frontline war reports from the comfort of his hideout above a Spanish restaurant in the heart of Manhattan.

“Special Correspondents is classic Ricky Gervais: smart social satire with heart,” said Netflix's chief content officer, Ted Sarandos. “It’s the kind of great grown-up comedy that studios rarely make anymore, one that’s perfect for Netflix members around the world.”

Gervais said, “Having shaken up the TV industry, Netflix is about to do the same to Hollywood. It's great to be part of the changing future. Ted Sarandos is the new Godfather of entertainment and he made me an offer I couldn't refuse."