Final Shots: Netflix Nabs Two New Chris Rock Stand-Up Comedy Specials

Netflix has nabbed two new Chris Rock stand-up comedy specials, both of which mark the comedian’s return to the stage after an eight year hiatus. The landmark deal is also Rock’s first with a brand new outlet, breaking his former 20-year relationship with HBO.

According to Deadline, Rock had previously done five total stand-up specials including 1994’s Big Ass Jokes and 2008’s Kill the Messenger with HBO, who had also bid large for the forthcoming features. The first special will reportedly be taped in 2017, following a new world tour that the comedian is in the process of planning. Netflix CCO Ted Sarandos, who referred to Rock as “comic royalty” in a statement, says that the platform offers “the global platform and creative freedom that will serve as a perfect home for someone with his incredible talent.”

In other news…

Los Angeles-based streaming TV startup Pluto TV has gained a few new high-profile backers that have increased their evaluation to $143 million. Scripps Networks Interactive and German company ProSiebenSat. 1, among others, have contributed $30 million in Series B funding for the free platform, which offers a bundle of 100 TV channels including Bloomberg and IGN. [NY Post]

Justin Theroux has joined the cast of Duncan Jones’ forthcoming Netflix original sci-fi thriller, Mute. Starring Paul Rudd and Alexander Skarsgård, who portrays a mute bartender on the hunt for his missing partner, the film was written by Jones and Mike Johnson and will be produced by Liberty Films. [Variety]

Pulitzer-winning writer Robert Schenkkan, who penned the scripts for both LBJ’s All the Way starring Bryan Cranston and Hacksaw Ridge, has been recruited to write Amazon’s forthcoming movie K Troop. The Prime Video original film will center around the man who led the U.S. Army’s K Troop to victory against the rising KKK in 1871. [Deadline]

ICYMI: The trailer for Netflix’s forthcoming original horror film, I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House, has been released. Directed by Osgood “Oz” Perkins, the hauntingly terrifying new feature will premiere exclusively via the platform on October 28:

Netflix has posted a behind-the-scenes featurette today for their forthcoming highly-anticipated British drama series, The Crown. Featuring commentary from creator Peter Morgan and the cast including Matt Smith (Prince Philip) and John Lithgow (Prime Minister Churchill), the new clip delves into the show’s lavish production:

Michael is a music and television junkie keen on most things that are not a complete and total bore. You can follow him on Twitter — @Tweetskoor