Apple TV+ has added original film “Swan Song” to its roster. It stars Oscar winner Mahershala Ali (“Moonlight,” “Green Book”), who will double as a producer. Production begins this spring; the movie is also scheduled for a theatrical release.
That trend began with Netflix’s strategy for “Roma” and Martin Scorsese’s “The Irishman.” Both enjoyed a brief theatrical run before streaming.
Billed as a “genre-bending drama” set in the future, “Swan Song” posits how far someone will go to make life happy for those they love. Benjamin Cleary, who won the Oscar for the short “Stutterer,” will write and direct. Apple and Anonymous Content, represented by Adam Shulman (“Defending Jacob”) and Jacob Perlin, will co-produce.
“Making this movie with Mahershala and Anonymous at Apple is an absolute dream,” stated Cleary.
Ali will next be seen as Blade, joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in a role previously played by Wesley Snipes. The versatile actor recently earned Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his role in HBO’s “True Detective.”
Apple TV+ has been buy boosting its movie inventory. “Swan Song” will join other Apple TV+ originals, including the documentary “Boys State,” “The Banker,” “Wolfwalkers” and “Beastie Boys Story.”
The streamer also announced Steven Spielberg’s remake of “Amazing Stories” would launch March 6. Rose Byrne (“Damages”) will star in “Physical,” an upcoming dramedy by Annie Weisman (“Almost Family), who will serve as showrunner.