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Netflix lines up first original movie

US streaming service Netflix has struck a deal with The Weinstein Company (TWC) to release its first original movie, a sequel to Oscar-winning martial arts film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon

The California-based subscription VoD platform, known for producing original series such as Orange is the New Black and House of Cards, has been eyeing a move into feature film commissioning for some time.

Produced by TWC, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend will be shown on Netflix and in Imax cinemas from August 28 next year.

The sequel will see Michelle Yeoh reprise her role as warrior Yu Shu-Lien, while Chinese action star Donnie Yen joins the cast as a character called Silent Wolf. However, original director Ang Lee will not return for the film, as those duties have already been taken over by China’s Yuen Wo-Ping.

This is Netflix’s second collaboration with TWC, following the companies’ work together on Marco Polo, the forthcoming drama series based on the life of the Venetian merchant traveller.

The production now gives Netflix a chance of winning an Academy Award, following on from its first Emmy win for House of Cards last year.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was a surprise international success upon release in 2000, grossing US$213.5m and winning the best foreign-language Oscar.

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