Netflix just released Bruised, the MMA drama directed by and starring Halle Berry, but that will be far from the last collaboration we see between star and streamer. Berry has signed an overall deal with Netflix to produce and star in a number of new films for the streaming giant.
Netflix’s famed algorithm likely told them that Berry was drawing in plenty of eyeballs, as Bruised this week was the #1 film in the United States, but also gained the title of #2 top English language film worldwide, pulling in the top pick in over 70 countries.
The film follows the life of washed-up UFC fighter Jackie ‘Pretty Bull’ Justice, who has been out of the world of professional fighting for years but returns to the octagon in an attempt to get her career back. At the same time, her estranged young son Manny re-enters her life, and the former champion must now juggle not only her return to fighting but the unfamiliar role of mother.
On teaming up with Netflix film head Scott Stuber and co-CEO Ted Sarandos, Berry said:
“My directorial debut, Bruised, was a labor of love and I knew that Scott and Ted would treat it with great care. The Netflix team has not only been collaborative and creative, but extremely passionate and a delight to work with. I am beyond grateful for the partnership and look forward to telling more stories together”.
Stuber added: “There are few people with a career like Halle Berry. She’s an award winning actress, producer and as audiences saw this past week, she’s an incredible director. We’re thrilled to be in her corner as she delivers power in front of and behind the camera in Bruised and look forward to telling more stories together.”
There’s no word yet on what these Netflix films will be about. But Berry has already signed on for two non-Netflix projects prior to this deal.
She will produce and star in sci-fi drama The Mothership, which is being written and directed by Matt Charman (Bridge Of Spies), and star alongside Mark Wahlberg in Our Man From New Jersey, which is being described as a “blue collar James Bond“.
Perhaps this is the beginning of a Berry-aissance? We’ll wait and see what details trickle out regarding her Netflix projects.
#Peace.Love.HalleBerry
