Jason Bateman Directing Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson in Netflix’s ‘The Cackling of the Dodos’

What happened

Jason Bateman will direct a new Netflix crime thriller called 'The Cackling of the Dodos' starring Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson. The film follows a small-town farmer who discovers a corpse in a grain bin. Netflix blu-ray-set-sparks-debate.html" class="story-link" title="$270 Stranger Things: The Complete Series Blu-Ray Collection Announced — Contain">announced the project during a press event, marking Bateman's continued partnership with the streaming service after 'Ozark' and 'Black Rabbit'.

Why people care

This reunites popular actors Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson, who previously worked together in Markle Still Developing TV, Films & Docs At Netflix: “Ther">films like 'Seven Psychopaths' and 'Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.' Bateman has become a major creative force at Netflix with his dark, critically acclaimed projects, making his directorial choices closely watched in Hollywood.

The takes

Industry watchers say

This project represents Netflix's continued investment in prestige talent and serious filmmaking. The combination of Bateman's proven track record with dark material and the reliable star power of Rockwell and Harrelson makes this a safe bet for quality content.

Skeptics say

Netflix is playing it safe by recycling familiar talent rather than taking creative risks. The project sounds like standard crime thriller fare that won't break new ground despite the impressive names attached.

Sources