Netflix Acquires Michael Shannon’s Bigfoot Movie

Michael Shannon is starring in a new Bigfoot-themed dramedy purchase for global streaming rights by Netflix. Since his breakthrough role in his Oscar-nominated turn opposite Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in director Sam Mendes drama Revolutionary Road in 2008, Shannon has been one of the most in-demand actors in the entertainment industry.

In addition to his acclaimed turn as Nelson Van Alden on HBO’s hit series Boardwalk Empire, he’s appeared in more than three-dozen films in the last nine years, including his powerful turn as General Zod in Man of Steel in 2013. Perhaps his busiest year yet came in 2016, where he roles in 10 films, including Midnight Special, Loving, Elvis & Nixon, and Nocturnal Animals.

Nocturnal Animals earned Shannon his second Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination after Revolutionary Road, and it’s pretty safe to say that he could punch his ticket anywhere, including lucrative roles in big-budget films. Still, while he’s being pursed for commercial films – he was a frontrunner to play Cable in Deadpool 2 before Josh Brolin landed the role – Shannon seems intent on working in the independent film world whenever he can, and his upcoming project may be his most unique role yet.

According to The Wrap, Netflix has picked up Shannon’s new film, Pottersville, which is being described as Bigfoot meets It’s a Wonderful Life. Here’s a full description of the film by the publication:

“The film follows a local business man (Shannon) who is mistaken for the mythical creature Bigfoot after a wild night of drinking, tossing on a gorilla costume and staggering through the woods makes him an internet sensation. The event sparks international media attention and reinvigorates a small town’s economy, as the business man grapples with revealing the truth.”

In addition to Shannon, first-time director Seth Henrikson has assembled an impressive cast for the comedy drama, including Christina Hendricks, Ian McShane, Ron Perlman and Thomas Lennon. It’s not clear if the deal for the film, which was made at the Cannes Film Festival, includes a theatrical release before it streams on Netflix.

Pottersville is another inspired choice by Shannon, who is arguably one of the best actors in the business. He certainly has an imposing frame to pull off the role at 6 feet 3 1/2 inches, but fans who know Shannon’s work knows that he certainly has the wherewithal to bring complexity to his roles, and that he’s capable of playing in almost any genre. In addition to his dramatic work the actor certainly has comedic chops (he was hilarious a weed dealer in Seth Rogen’s The Night Before), which will come in handy since Pottersville promises to have some comedic elements to it.
Source: ScreenRant