Netflix has won world rights to “The Starling,” starring Melissa McCarthy and Kevin Kline and directed by Ted Melfi, reports Deadline.
The streamer paid an estimated $20 million for the Matt Harris-written drama. In it, the versatile McCarthy (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?”) and Chris O’Dowd (“Get Shorty”) play a married couple coping with a tragedy. He opts to try recovery, while she heals in her garden — only to be constantly attacked by a starling.
Oscar-Tony-winner Kline, who plays a psychiatrist-turned vet, tries to help solve the problem.
Melfi, who directed the best picture nominee “Hidden Figures,” previously worked with McCarthy and O’Dowd in “St. Vincent.”
Given the numerous production halts, due to the pandemic, “The Starling” is a plus for Netflix — it’s already in post-production. No date has been set for its debut, but insiders expect it to launch in awards season.
Melfi has a second project, “Huck,” which he is also developing for Netflix, based on the Mark Miller comic book.
Netflix has seen its subscriber stats and stock price soar, as millions stay at home. Pivotal Research analyst Jeff Wlodarczak boosted his forecast for the streamers’ subs additions for the first quarter from 7.90 million to 8.45 million. For Q2, he predicts a rise from nearly 4.88 million to 5.70 million.
Last week, the streamer also signed a first-look deal for action and animated series with publisher BOOM! Studios (“Lumberjanes,” Once & Future”).