Still from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend. Photo via Netflix
Still from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend. Photo via Netflix

Netflix’s initial push into original programming quickly established it as a worthy competitor for established content creators, thanks to hit shows like Orange is the New Black and House of Cards. Now the streaming service hopes to replicate that model in film. Netflix has several original movies in the works — and today the first batch of release dates were announced.

Netflix announced premiere dates for four films in 2015 and 2016. Some of the originals will stream exclusively on Netflix and others will be combined with theatrical releases. Continue reading for details on the company’s first foray into filmmaking.

Beasts of No Nation, Oct. 16

True Detective director Cary Fukunaga tells the story of a civil war in an unnamed country in Africa through the eyes of a child soldier. This drama, starring Idris Elba, will premiere on Netflix and in select theaters.

The Ridiculous Six, Dec. 11

Netflix_Logo_Print_FourColorCMYKThe Ridiculous Six is the first of four Netflix films to star Adam Sandler. The Western-style comedy will be released exclusively on Netflix and also stars Rob Schneider, Luke Wilson, Steve Buscemi and other high-profile actors.

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend, Q1 2016

The next chapter in Ang Lee’s martial arts saga will debut on Netflix in the first quarter of 2016. The film will be accompanied by an IMAX run in the U.S. and a theatrical release in China. In a press release Netflix described the film as a story of “lost love, young love, a legendary sword and one last opportunity at redemption.”

Pee-wee’s Big Holiday, March 2016

Netflix has released few details about this collaboration between original star Paul Reubens and producer Judd Apatow, other than a plot centered around “a fateful meeting with a mysterious stranger.” The reboot of this 1980s children’s series will also star Laurence Fishburne — though we doubt he’ll be reprising his last role as a mysterious stranger who sets the hero on his journey.

Like what you're reading? Subscribe to GeekWire's free newsletters to catch every headline

Job Listings on GeekWork

Find more jobs on GeekWork. Employers, post a job here.