From Netflix to Warner Bros.
Back in 2021, Noah Baumbach signed a multi-year deal with Netflix that committed him to writing and directing several films for the streamer over the following years. He made two, and now he's gone.
According to Variety, Baumbach has signed a multi-year deal with Warner Bros.' Clockwork and has already set up his next project, which is set to shoot next year. Details are being kept under wraps, though sources familiar with the script say it follows two college students in New York City. A wide release is planned.
Baumbach's last four films have been with Netflix: "The Meyerowitz Stories," "Marriage Story," "White Noise," and "Jay Kelly." None received a robust theatrical release, only one- or two-week runs to qualify for the Oscars. And after "Meyerowitz" premiered in competition at Cannes in 2017, the backlash was strong enough that the festival effectively barred Netflix films from competing for the Palme d'Or.
"White Noise" and "Jay Kelly" may have been the deal breakers. The former, a $100M+ Don DeLillo adaptation, failed with critics and barely registered with Netflix viewers; the latter was a George Clooney Oscar vehicle that fizzled last year.
Still, this is a huge get for Clockwork. Baumbach remains one of the most singular voices in indie cinema, with a filmography that includes "The Squid and the Whale," "Frances Ha," and "Greenberg." Oh, and he also co-wrote a little movie called "Barbie."
Speaking of "Barbie," the last we heard, the sequel had stalled at Warner Bros. over steep salary demands from Baumbach's partner, Greta Gerwig. Could today's news of his Clockwork deal signal a breakthrough in the "Barbie 2" negotiations? Quite possibly, and an announcement could come soon.
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