Netflix has landed yet another major star. This time, the streaming service has gotten Mr. Blockbuster himself, Will Smith, for a new biopic about a crime boss that not a lot of people are probably familiar with.
Deadline is reporting that Smith is teaming up with filmmaker Peter Landesman for a film titled, “The Council,” which will be coming to Netflix. The film follows the never-before-told true story of crime boss Nicky Barnes, who led a drug ring of various gangs in Harlem during the ‘70s and ‘80s. The Council is the name of the group that Barnes was part of, along with various other African-American crime bosses during that era.
Landesman is probably best known for writing and directing the film “Concussion,” which starred Will Smith. His most recent film was the 2017 drama “Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House,” which starred Liam Neeson. Landesman made his directorial debut in the film “Parkland.”
Smith is currently coming off the biggest blockbuster of his career, the Disney live-action remake of “Aladdin.” His next film is the highly-anticipated action film from director Ang Lee, titled “Gemini Man.” He also has the upcoming animated film “Spies in Disguise” coming later this year and the action sequel “Bad Boys for Life” coming in early 2020.
No word on when we might see “The Council” arrive on Netflix, however, this seems to be yet another film that the streaming service has in its back pocket for future awards season consideration. So, perhaps we can see this film coming as soon as next fall? We shall find out.
