Production began this week on Netflix’s crime fantasy thrillerBright, withWill SmithandJoel Edgertonspotted on the Los Angeles set in the first photos. Our initial report revealed that this story is set in a world where humans live side-by-side with orcs and faeries, which is represented in this photo by the human cop played byWill Smithand his orc partner played byJoel Edgerton, both of whom are seen wearing medals. The scene in question appears to take place at a memorial service for fallen police officers, but no further details were revealed.
The first photos surfaced onJust Jared, with others surfacing on various Twitter accounts. This project reunitesWill Smithwith hisSuicide SquaddirectorDavid Ayer, who is directing from a script byMax Landis(Chronicle,American Ultra). There was originally talk that Warner Bros. would pick up this project, in hopes of putting it on the fast track forDavid Ayerto direct, before he starts work onSuicide Squad 2, but that didn’t exactly happen.
Instead, a bidding war sparked between Netflix, Warner Bros. and MGM offering to pay upwards of $50 million for the project, while Palmstar reportedly offered to pay $4 million forMax Landis' script, and $60 million for the entire project. Netflix won this bidding war by paying $3 million for the script and $90 million for the entire package, $45 million of which will go towards the production budget.David AyerandMax Landisare also producing withEric NewmanandBryan Unkeless.
The story followsWill SmithandJoel Edgerton’s characters who work for a police division that handles crimes involving magic. Their world turns upside down when they come into possession of a powerful and highly illegal magic wand. The cast also includesLucy Fryas an elf named Tikka who possesses the wand and comes under the protection of these cops. The supporting cast also includesChris Browning,Andrea Navedo,Brad William HenkeandNadia Sloane.
Netflixhasn’t announced whenBrightmay be released, or if it will get a limited theatrical release as well. The streaming service gave its first narrative feature,Beasts of No Nation, a limited theatrical release for awards consideration last year, in tandem with its debut on Netflix. Take a look at the first set photos below fromBright.
