Netflix buys Brad Pitt's War Machine

Netflix has acquired its biggest film so far with its purchase ofthe satirical comedy War Machine.Brad Pittisset to star in the movie as General Stanley McChrystal.

Netflix announced the acquisition Monday.It adds a major dose of star power to the streaming service's growing stable of original films. Netflix will produce the film, to be directed by Australian filmmaker David Michd.

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Shooting is set to begin in August, with the movie being released in theatresandon Netflixin 2016.

War Machineis based on Michael Hastings' bookThe Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan,based on weeks of nearly unfettered access in 2010 to McChrystal.TedSarandos, chief content officer forNetflix, called the film "a rip-roaring, behind-the-facade tale of modern war decision makers."

Netflixpromises to upend movie business

The global streaming servicehas steadily made inroads into the movie business, promising to upend its traditional theatrical window system and more quickly debut movies to its 60-million-plus subscribers, following a limited release in theatres.

We are so excited to be a part of the inspiring commitment byNetflixto produce cutting-edge content and to deliver it to a global audience.- Statement from actor Brad Pitt

Last year, the company announced it is producing a sequel to the 2000 filmCrouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. For that film, it also plans to forgo a traditional theatrical premiere. It will simultaneously release it online and in some Imax theatres.

Netflix also signed a deal with Adam Sandler for the comedian to produce and star in four feature films that would stream exclusively on the internet network.

Netflix has alsoinked deals with the Weinstein Co. for a new Pee-wee Herman movie with Judd Apatow.Other plans include a movie with Ricky Gervais, a documentary deal with Leonardo DiCapiro and a four-picture deal with Mark and Jay Duplass.

With sometimes splashy acquisition prices, Netflix also has picked up Cary Fukunaga's Beasts of No Nationat the Sundance Film Festival and Richie Smyth's Jadotvilleat the Berlin Film Festival.

Two Netflix-distributed documentaries Virungaand The Square have earned the company its first two Oscar nominations. Now, with the pedigrees of Michod and Pitt, it could be aiming for Oscars in the fiction film categories too.

"We are so excited to be a part of the inspiring commitment by Netflix to produce cutting-edge content and to deliver it to a global audience," Pitt said in a statement.