Netflix sets release dates for original films including Fukunaga drama, Sandler comedy

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Netflix’s upcoming slate of original films will begin rolling out with Cary Fukunaga’s “Beasts of No Nation” in October and Adam Sandler’s “The Ridiculous Six” in December.

The streaming network announced release plans for four movies on Tuesday, laying out the schedule for its high-profile push into original films.

The first to hit the service will be Fukunaga’s Nigerian child solider tale “Beasts of No Nation.” It will become available worldwide on Netflix on Oct. 16, the day it opens in select U.S. theatres.

“The Ridiculous Six” is a Western parody coming Dec. 11. It’s the first of four films from Sandler for Netflix. It stars Sandler, Terry Crews, Taylor Lautner and others.

“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend,” a sequel to the Oscar-winning 2000 international hit, will open in the first quarter of 2016. It also will be released on IMAX screens and theatrically in China.

Wary of the theatrical release window shrinking, top North American theatre chains have refused to screen Netflix releases or any other films simultaneously released on digital platforms. Netflix is partnering with distributor Bleecker Street for “Beasts of No Nation” and with the Weinstein Co. for “Crouching Tiger.”

Netflix also said that the Judd Apatow-produced “Pee-wee’s Big Holiday,” in which Paul Reubens reprises his famous character, will arrive next March.

No release date has yet been announced for one of Netflix’s most anticipated releases: “War Machine,” in which Brad Pitt is to play former Gen. Stanley McChrystal.