Netflix pre-buys Jamie Dornan war film

Netflix has acquired exclusive rights to Jadotville, a war film set during an African siege in 1961 starring Jamie Dornan.

The acquisition comes as the streaming service’s latest features play as it attempts to disrupt what it calls an “antiquated” feature film windowing structure and acquire original movies that debut on its SVOD platform.

Jadotville follows the siege of 150 Irish UN soldiers by 3,000 Congolese troops led by French and Belgian mercenaries acting on behalf of mining companies.

Dornan, who is currently appearing in the box office hit Fifty Shades of Grey, will play Irish commander Patrick Quinlan, with Guillaume Canet (Tell No One) playing a French chief.

Netflix will exclusively launch it in all of its operational territories in 2016, with production beginning in April and spanning Ireland and South Africa.

“The story of how Pat Quinlan led his troops against an overwhelming force without losing a single man is one of the great stories of the 20th century, and we are proud to be working with such a talented and committed team to bring it to life,” said Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos (pictured). “This film will be an amazing addition to our global original films initiative.”

“As filmmakers, we are constantly looking for new ways to bring a movie to the largest possible audience,” said Alan Moloney of producer Parallel Films.

“Netflix has already reinvented the TV market and is now moving front and centre into the film business. We are proud and excited to be part of their story and innovation.”

Netflix picked up the rights to the film at this month’s Berlin Film Festival. It is already working on a follow-up to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, has secured a production agreement with actor Adam Sandler and recently closed a four-film pact with indie directors the Duplass brothers.

Sandler this week moved his latest film, Ridiculous Six, into the Netflix deal. The film will be the debut result of the partnership.