The controversial “Tiger King” proved a mega-hit for Netflix. It’s even inspired dramatic projects. Oscar winner Nicolas Cage will star as Joe Exotic in an eight-episode show about the tiger owner now imprisoned for attempted murder.
“Tiger King,” directed by Eric Goode and Rebecca Chaiklin, also came under fire for its controversial subject matter. The duo is now at work on more big-cat shows for Netflix, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Dr. James Liu is a wildlife veterinarian and associate director of the Turtle Conservancy, which Goode founded. He says he was part of the “Tiger King” production team and told THR a follow-up episode was coming.
Goode said to Vanity Fair: “I went into this to explore a different side of the animal world in terms of wild animals in captivity. After spending years with these subjects, the project moved in a different direction. Netflix is very adept at making binge-worthy television and with these larger-than-life subjects that was pretty easy to do. However, my goal is and has always been the same, which is to raise awareness and help save the species.”
Still, a Goode Films rep told THR the sequel is not “going in a more conservational route.”
Separately, Carole Baskin, the founder of Big Cat Rescue, and the enemy of Joe Exotic, has stated she is unhappy with her appearance in the show.