Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell Reunite for Netflix Crime Thriller Directed by Jason Bateman Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell have joined forces for a new Netflix crime thriller directed by Jason Bateman, marking their first collaboration since their Oscar-winning role in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017). The film, titled The Cackling of the Dodos, is set to premiere on the streaming platform and promises a dark comedy mystery with a gripping narrative. The announcement was made on March 19, 2026, through entertainment media outlets, highlighting the significance of the project for Netflix’s original content lineup. The reunion of the two actors, who previously worked together on Martin McDonagh’s acclaimed film, is described as a major milestone for the streaming service. Bateman, known for his work on Black Rabbit and Ozark, brings his seasoned directorial expertise to the project, which is based on a novel by Rye Curtis. The screenplay blends elements of dark humor with suspense, positioning the film as a standout in the crime thriller genre. The story follows George, a small-town farmer who stumbles upon a corpse in his grain bin, setting off a chaotic cover-up orchestrated by his boss, Denny. Rockwell is expected to portray George, while Harrelson is likely cast as Denny, though official role details remain pending. The premise draws comparisons to McDonagh’s work, which often explores ordinary individuals thrust into extraordinary, darkly comedic situations. The casting of Rockwell and Harrelson, both acclaimed for their nuanced performances, is seen as a strategic move for Netflix.#jason_bateman #sam_rockwell #woody_harrelson #the_cackling_of_the_dodos #rye_curtis
Jason Bateman-Directed Movie Set at Netflix With Marvel Stars Jason Bateman is set to direct The Cackling of the Dodos, a new Netflix film in development, with details emerging as production takes shape. The project, which has been reported via Tudum, is described as a departure from its title’s implication, as it is not a nature documentary but a story centered on a chaotic cover-up. The film follows a small-town farmer who discovers a dead body in a grain bin and becomes entangled in a conspiracy to conceal the crime. The screenplay, written by novelist Rye Curtis, was previously adapted into the novel Kingdomtide. The film’s title, which might initially suggest a focus on extinct birds, is intentionally misleading. Instead, the plot revolves around a “sloppy cover-up” initiated after the discovery of the corpse. Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson are set to star in the project, marking their reunion after collaborating on Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Rockwell won an Academy Award for that film, while Harrelson received a nomination. The project represents another collaboration between Bateman and Netflix, continuing their partnership on multiple original productions. Bateman, known for his role in Ozark, which earned 45 Emmy nominations across four seasons, has also appeared in Carry-On, a 2024 airport security thriller that spent eight weeks in Netflix’s Global Top 10. He previously earned a SAG/AFTRA Actor Award nomination for Black Rabbit. Rockwell, who recently starred in The White Lotus and received an Oscar nomination for Vice, brings his acclaimed performance to the film. Harrelson, a two-time Academy Award nominee for The People vs. Larry Flynt and The Messenger, adds to the cast’s prestige.#netflix #jason_bateman #sam_rockwell #woody_harrelson #the_cackling_of_the_dodos
Jason Bateman to Direct Netflix Crime-Comedy 'The Cackling of the Dodos' Netflix has officially confirmed that Jason Bateman will direct the upcoming crime-comedy film The Cackling of the Dodos. The project marks Bateman’s latest venture into both acting and directing, following his roles in series like Arrested Development and Ozark, as well as his directing contributions to Black Rabbit. The film is written by Rye Curtis, known for his work on Norma Jeane. The plot of The Cackling of the Dodos revolves around George, a small-town farmer who finds himself in a chaotic situation after discovering a corpse in a grain bin. Unwillingly drawn into a cover-up by his boss, Denny, George must navigate the absurdity of the circumstances. The synopsis highlights the film’s blend of dark humor and crime elements, with a focus on the protagonist’s reluctant entanglement in a messy scenario. Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson have been cast in lead roles, with Rockwell portraying George and Harrelson playing Denny. The duo has previously collaborated on Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and their chemistry is expected to play a key role in the film’s comedic and dramatic beats. Rockwell’s filmography includes roles in Jojo Rabbit, The Bad Guys, and The White Lotus, while Harrelson’s credits span Zombieland, The Hunger Games, and True Detective. Both actors bring a mix of wit and intensity to their respective characters, setting the tone for the film’s tone. Production details remain sparse, with the film currently in early development. While no filming dates have been announced, industry insiders speculate that the project could begin shooting in 2026, potentially leading to a 2027 or 2028 release on Netflix.#netflix #jason_bateman #sam_rockwell #woody_harrelson #the_cackling_of_the_dodos
Jason Bateman Returns to Directing with Netflix Crime Comedy After 11 Years Jason Bateman is set to direct his first film in over a decade, marking a significant return to the big screen with a new Netflix project. The comedy-crime film, titled The Cackling of the Dodos, will star Sam Rockwell and Woody Harrelson in leading roles. Based on a script by Rye Curtis, the story follows a farmer and his boss who become entangled in a shocking cover-up after discovering a corpse in a grain bin. Rockwell, an acclaimed actor with a storied career, has appeared in numerous high-profile films, including The Green Mile, Galaxy Quest, Charlie's Angels, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Frost/Nixon, Iron Man 2, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Jojo Rabbit, Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die, and The White Lotus. His portrayal of Jason Dixon in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri earned him critical acclaim and multiple awards, including nods at the Oscars, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Critics' Choice Awards, and BAFTAs. Harrelson, who also appeared in Three Billboards, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars but lost to Rockwell. Harrelson has a long history in both film and television, beginning with his breakout role in the sitcom Cheers and later starring in projects like The People vs. Larry Flynt, No Country for Old Men, The Hunger Games, Now You See Me, LBJ, The Edge of Seventeen, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and others. Bateman has a strong history with Netflix, having previously starred in the comedy series Arrested Development, which was revived by the streaming platform after being canceled by Fox. He later starred in the four-season crime drama Ozark, earning several Golden Globe and Emmy nominations.#netflix #jason_bateman #sam_rockwell #woody_harrelson #three_billboards_outside_ebbing_missouri
Netflix Unveils New Feature Film Directed by Jason Bateman During a press event on Wednesday, Netflix executives Dan Lin and Jinny Howe announced The Cackling of the Dodos, a new feature film set to be directed by Jason Bateman and starring Sam Rockwell, Woody Harrelson, and Bateman himself. The project marks a return to the streaming giant’s theatrical slate for Bateman, who previously worked on Ozark and Black Rabbit. The film follows George, a small-town farmer who faces a chaotic ordeal after discovering a corpse in a grain bin, leading him to inadvertently become embroiled in a cover-up orchestrated by his boss, Denny. The screenplay is based on an original story by novelist Rye Curtis, known for his work on Kingdomtide. Rockwell, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, has appeared in recent films such as Argylle, See How They Run, and the Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die series. Harrelson, a three-time Oscar nominee, brings his acclaimed performances from Three Billboards, The Messenger, and The People vs. Larry Flynt to the project. His recent filmography includes Ella McCay, Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, and Fly Me to the Moon. Bateman, who received a SAG-AFTRA Actor Award nomination for Black Rabbit, also starred in the 2024 thriller Carry-On, which remained on Netflix’s Global Top 10 list for eight weeks. His work on Ozark earned the series 45 Emmy nominations across its four-season run. Netflix Film Chairman Dan Lin addressed the streamer’s theatrical ambitions in the wake of Warner Bros.’ pursuit of a theatrical strategy, stating, “Give us some time.” He also clarified that Netflix does not require filmmakers to restate plot details for viewers on their devices, emphasizing that such a policy does not exist.#jason_bateman #sam_rockwell #woody_harrelson #dan_lin #jinny_howe
