Netflix is preparing to collaborate once again with Oscar-winning director David Fincher on a new project. Sources reveal that Fincher has been tapped to direct “Bitterroot,” a Western crime thriller formerly known as “Big Hole.” This marks another high-profile addition to Fincher’s ongoing partnership with the streaming giant.
Fincher, who has been working with Netflix since the late 2010s under an overall deal, previously directed the acclaimed series “Mindhunter” (currently on permanent hiatus), and the feature films “Mank” and “The Killer.” He also continues to serve as an executive producer on the animated anthology series “Love, Death & Robots,” which has been renewed for a fourth season.
The script for “Bitterroot” was originally featured on the 2008 Black List under its former title, “Big Hole.” Michael Gilio, known for his work on “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” wrote the script. Gilio’s previous credits include “Kwik Stop,” “The Raven,” and “Dark Harvest.”
The project was initially slated for a big-screen adaptation, with Blind Wink Productions and Aversano Films set to produce in 2011. At that time, Gilio was both writing and directing, with Gore Verbinski attached as producer. The original script received positive reviews, including praise from Script Shadow.
In addition to “Bitterroot,” Fincher is also involved in producing the U.S. spin-off of “Squid Game,” tentatively titled “Squid Game: America,” and a Chinatown spin-off project, which has recently completed its script but is still awaiting final approval from Netflix due to budget concerns.
Another untitled crime thriller is in the very early stages of development, though details are sparse. Additionally, there have been rumors about a remake of Hitchcock’s “Strangers,” but sources have confirmed that this project is not in the works.
Key Points:
- New Project for David Fincher: David Fincher is set to direct “Bitterroot,” a Western crime thriller for Netflix, formerly known as “Big Hole.”
- Fincher’s Netflix Partnership: Fincher has been collaborating with Netflix since the late 2010s, with notable projects including “Mindhunter,” “Mank,” and “The Killer.” He is also an executive producer for “Love, Death & Robots.”
- Script and Writer: The script for “Bitterroot” was initially featured on the 2008 Black List and was written by Michael Gilio, known for “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.”
- Previous Development: The script was previously in development for a film adaptation with Blind Wink Productions and Aversano Films, with Gilio set to direct and Gore Verbinski producing.
- Other Projects: Fincher is also involved in producing the U.S. spin-off of “Squid Game,” tentatively titled “Squid Game: America,” and a Chinatown spin-off project, which is awaiting final approval from Netflix.
- Early Development: An untitled crime thriller is in early development, but details are limited.
- Rumored Project: There were rumors about a remake of Hitchcock’s “Strangers,” but these have been confirmed as not being in progress.
