Netflix is certainly becoming more synonymous with original programming, and of late the subscription streaming service has really worked to beef up its movies lineup. The latest movie sounds pretty outside-the-box in regards to what films Netflix has produced so far, as it will be an R-rated historical movie that also happens to be animated. Oh, and did we mention that Channing Tatum will be voicing a major role? He's set to play George Washington in the upcoming movie America: The Motion Picture.
America: The Motion Picture is set to look at the story of the founding of our country. Currently, Channing Tatum is the only big name attached. However, on the producer end, you may recognize some intriguing names. Deadline says that Dave Callahan, who is also penning Zombieland 2, wrote the script for the animated venture and Matt Thompson is set to direct when America: The Motion Picture moves forward. Producers on the movie include Callahan and Thompson, but also Adam Reed (of Archer) fame. Phil Lord, Chris Miller and Will Allegra are also producing.
We should note that as of now America will not be totally accurate animated history. The project is sticking with an R-rating, and is being described as "revisionist history," which makes sense, considering the network plans to throw breeches on Channing Tatum and probably a white powdered wig and call him one of our founding forefathers. About the only thing that I can think of that the two men have in common is their extreme height, although the image of George Washington man-dancing to "Pony" by Ginuwine now has me in a fit of giggles.
On a more serious note, the movie is a big deal for Netflix for another reason. America marks the first animated movie Netflix has decided to finance. The news is coming after the play Hamilton, another story about the early years of America, has become wildly successful, so much so that PBS pulled together a special called Hamilton's America that also did well with TV audiences. An animated movie is just another way to tell a story of this nature, and we'll let you know once we have more details about what America: The Motion Picture will ultimately be about. There's also no word on a premiere date yet, but we'll let you know as soon as this one gets off of the ground.
In the meantime, Netflix has a slew of other projects coming up, including original movies from Adam Sandler, Brad Pitt, Will Smith and more. Yesterday, the subscription streaming service released a trailer for Pitt's War Machine, and you can take a look at what other new movies are coming up with our full Netflix premiere schedule.
